On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

Theme

T28 Earthquakes, tsunamis & volcanoes: science to preparedness

What UPSC asks in this theme

GS1 asks how and where tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes occur (Circum-Pacific belt, 2021 eruptions); GS3 asks India's vulnerability, major quakes and preparedness gaps. Prepare the science and the management together.

What to cover

• Plate boundaries and Ring of Fire; volcano types and effects
• Tsunami formation and the 2004 tsunami
• India's seismic zones; major quakes (Latur, Bhuj, Kashmir, Sikkim, Nepal 2015)
• Preparedness: NDMA guidelines, building codes, early warning (INCOIS), drills

Writing the answer

• Start with the mechanism, then impact, then preparedness — this sequence answers both GS1 and GS3 versions

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 6 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.