Catastrophes Trivia Quiz

Answer: Mozambique

In 2000 Mozambique was devastated by a major flood in February and March of that year. The combination of heavy rain, swelling rivers and floods caused a disaster throughout of the country. Around 700 people were killed as a result of the flood and many more people were affected by the loss of their cattle, the mainstay of their food supply.

Answer: India

The 2001 Gujarat earthquake registered 7.7 on the Richter magnitude scale. The devastation of this earthquake was the death of between 14,000 to 20,000 people. The earthquake caused casualties not only in India but some people in Pakistan as well. Huge losses of houses, approximately 400,000, resulted in other problems such as health issues, removal of rubble, relocation and rehousing.

Answer: Ferry sinking

The ferry MV Le Joola, owned by the government of Senegal, capsized off the coast of neighbouring The Gambia in 2002. There was enormous loss of life with over 1,800 people perishing and only 64 survivors. The capsizing was a result of a storm but there were questions as to why it was in waters outside of its sailing license. That was coupled with overcrowding including a large number of stowaways, people sleeping on decks and generally overloading the ship.

Answer: Heat Wave

The hottest recorded summer in Europe happened in 2003. The heat wave not only affected people but had a direct result in droughts causing crop losses. France was one country that was particularly affected. Almost unbelievably the death toll was estimated at more than 70,000 people.

Answer: Tsunami

The Boxing Day Indian Ocean Tsunami was one of the most devastating events that has occurred on our planet. The tsunami affected the following countries: Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Somalia, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Answer: Kashmir

Happening in October 2005 was the Kashmir earthquake measuring 7.6. Not only was Kashmir affected but surrounding countries including India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and China felt the affects of it. More than 80,000 people were killed as a result of this earthquake.

Answer: Yogyakarta

Indonesia is known for its earthquakes, with Krakatoa being ensconced in history. The 2006 earthquake near Yogyakarta set off Mount Merapi causing further problems of not only an earthquake but a volcano. The death toll was over 5,000 people with the displacement of people from loss of habitat was huge being over 600,000.

Answer: Bangladesh

Late in 2007 Sidr Cyclone reached Bangladesh and formed the worst cyclone to have hit the country. Reaching over 200 km/h the cyclone ripped through the country leaving only devastation in its wake. More than 3,000 people were casualties of the storm but the overall loss of life from the aftermath of the storm would be realistically be around 10,000.

Answer: Blizzard

In February 2008 Afghanistan endured a blizzard, causing temperatures to fall below minus 30C and huge snowfalls reaching to 180 centimetres, resulting in the loss of life of over 900 people. Logistics of aid to the mountainous areas caused many issues although distribution was made of tons of blankets, food and fuel.

Answer: Victoria

Victoria is considered one of the cooler states of Australia but on 7th February 2009 happened the worst bushfires the State had experienced. The bushfires were a result of extreme temperatures, dryness and drought and wind. There were more than 400 fires throughout the State.