What is a natural disaster? Describe the causes of floods in India and three ways to reduce flood damage.

1. 1 · Define. A natural disaster is a natural event that causes large-scale damage to life and property.
2. 2 · Causes of floods.
   • Heavy monsoon rain brings more water than river banks can hold.
   • Poor drainage lets water collect.
   • People block the natural flow of rivers by building on river beds.
3. 3 · Ways to reduce damage.
   • No construction in river beds; clean and desilt drains and reservoirs.
   • Build schools, offices and homes above past flood levels.
   • Keep an evacuation centre and plan ready.
4. 4 · Health. Drink boiled water and eat cooked food to prevent epidemics.
5. 5 · Close in one line. So floods cannot always be stopped, but planning reduces the loss.

Scoring tip: Give at least three management steps; vague words like 'be careful' earn nothing.