Page 253 - New Medley 5 Semester 2

Tsunami waves can be as high as 15 metres. ese giant waves travel at a speed
of up to 800 km/h in the sea.

On 26 December 2004, an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale hit o
the coast of Indonesia. It triggered a massive tsunami that resulted in widespread

death and destruction across South Asia. ere were 1,50,000 deaths across 11

countries with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and ailand being among the hardest
hit. Over 5 million people became homeless and property of billions was destroyed.

FLOODS

When it rains heavily, all the water does not seep through the soil. Most of the

rainwater accumulates over the land, causing waterlogging. Continuous heavy

rains for several days result in over owing of the rivers and submerging of nearby
areas. is condition is called ood.

Deforestation and overgrazing are the main factors which are responsible for ood.

Damage Due to Floods

 Excess of water in the soil releases the air present in it. is makes the animals

like snakes, earthworms, insects and rats to either come out or die.

 e roots of the plants die due to absence of air.
 e crop elds get submerged under the ood
water causing a huge loss to the farmers.

 Many aquatic animals are also forced out to

die due to the over owing water of rivers.

 e upper fertile layer of soil gets washed away

causing soil erosion. Heavy oods wash away People affected by flood
animals, vehicles or even kutcha houses with
them.

Floods can be prevented by growing more trees, building dams and embankments

on the rivers.

DROUGHT

When a particular area receives no rain or less rain than normal for a long period,

it is said to be a ected by drought. However, it is not only the lack of rainfall

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