When the Earth Shook — Class 5 EVS (CBSE)

Based on the NCERT Looking Around Grade 5 textbook. Learn about earthquakes and how to prepare for them, then solve the practice set.

1. Why this chapter matters

Earthquakes are one of the most destructive natural disasters. They strike without warning. This chapter discusses the devastating Gujarat earthquake of 2001, the experience of survivors, and the importance of disaster preparedness. Students learn what causes earthquakes, how to stay safe during one, and how communities can support each other in the aftermath.

2. What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements deep inside the Earth.

What causes earthquakes?

The Earth's surface is made of huge pieces called tectonic plates. These plates are always moving very slowly. Sometimes they get stuck, and pressure builds up. When the pressure is suddenly released, the ground shakes — this is an earthquake.

Measuring earthquakes

Earthquakes are measured on the Richter scale.

3. The Gujarat earthquake (2001)

On 26 January 2001, a massive earthquake struck the Kutch region of Gujarat. It measured 7.7 on the Richter scale.

What happened

• The earthquake struck on India's Republic Day (26 January).
• Over 20,000 people died.
• Hundreds of thousands of homes were destroyed.
• Many towns (like Bhuj, Anjar, Bachau) were badly damaged.
• The earthquake was felt across India and even in neighbouring countries.

After the earthquake

• Rescue teams came from all over India and the world.
• Temporary shelters were set up for people who lost their homes.
• Medical teams treated the injured.
• Reconstruction took years.
• The government and NGOs worked together on relief and rehabilitation.

4. How communities responded

In the face of disaster, people came together:

• Neighbours helped rescue trapped people.
• People shared food, water, and shelter.
• Students collected money and supplies for survivors.
• Many organisations sent volunteers to help rebuild homes and schools.
• New building codes were created to make buildings safer.

5. Earthquake preparedness

Before an earthquake (be prepared)

• Know safe places in your home (under a strong table, against an inside wall).
• Keep an emergency kit ready (water, food, torch, first aid, radio).
• Practice 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' drills.
• Make sure heavy items are securely fastened to walls.

During an earthquake (stay safe)

• Drop: Drop to your hands and knees.
• Cover: Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk.
• Hold On: Hold on to the table leg until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects that could fall.
• If outside, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
• If in a vehicle, stop in an open area and stay inside.

After an earthquake

• Check yourself and others for injuries.
• Be prepared for aftershocks (smaller earthquakes that follow).
• Listen to the radio or mobile alerts for information.
• Do not use elevators.
• Check for gas leaks and electrical damage.

6. Activity corner

Activity 1: Practice a 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' drill with your family at home. Time how long it takes everyone to get under a safe table.

Activity 2: Prepare an emergency kit. List what you would include and why each item is important.

Activity 3: Draw a picture showing what to do during an earthquake. Label the safe and unsafe places.

7. Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking earthquakes only happen in certain countries Fix: Earthquakes can happen anywhere. India is in a seismically active zone, especially the Himalayan region and Gujarat.
• Mistake: Running outside during an earthquake is always safer Fix: Running outside can be dangerous because of falling debris and glass. 'Drop, Cover, Hold On' is safer indoors.
• Mistake: Believing animals can always predict earthquakes Fix: Some animals may sense small vibrations before humans, but there is no reliable way to predict earthquakes.

8. Key facts

• Earthquakes are caused by movement of tectonic plates deep in the Earth.
• Measured on the Richter scale.
• Gujarat earthquake (2001): 7.7 magnitude, over 20,000 deaths.
• 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' is the safest response.
• India is in a seismically active zone.
• Preparedness saves lives.
• Community support is essential after a disaster.

9. Self-test

1. What causes an earthquake?
2. When did the Gujarat earthquake occur?
3. What should you do during an earthquake?
4. Name one item you would keep in an emergency kit.
5. Why is it important to practice earthquake drills?

10. Answer key

1. What causes an earthquake? Answer: The sudden release of pressure when tectonic plates under the Earth's surface move and get unstuck.

2. When did the Gujarat earthquake occur? Answer: 26 January 2001 (Republic Day of India), magnitude 7.7.

3. What should you do during an earthquake? Answer: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Get under a sturdy table, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.

4. Name one item you would keep in an emergency kit. Answer: Torch (flashlight), water, first aid kit, radio, food (any one).

5. Why is it important to practice earthquake drills? Answer: So that everyone knows exactly what to do when an earthquake strikes, which saves lives.

11. Quick revision

• Earthquakes: sudden ground shaking from tectonic plate movement.
• Gujarat 2001: 7.7 magnitude, 20,000+ deaths.
• Safe response: Drop, Cover, Hold On.
• India is seismically active — be prepared.
• Emergency kit: water, food, torch, first aid, radio.
• Community support helps recovery after a disaster.
• Preparation and practice save lives during earthquakes.