Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions - Weathering the Storm in Ersama - NCERT Class 9, Chapter 6

Summary of Weathering the Storm in Ersama

‘Weathering the Storm in Ersama’ is the story of Prashant, a young man who survives a devastating cyclone in Orissa. The cyclone wreaks havoc on the region, and Prashant is marooned on a roof for two days. After returning to his village, he finds that his family has survived. He takes on a leadership role, helping to organize relief efforts and bringing the community together to rebuild their lives after the disaster.

Weathering the Storm in Ersama in Hindi

‘वेदरिंग द स्टॉर्म इन एर्सामा’ प्रशांत नामक एक युवा व्यक्ति की कहानी है, जो उड़ीसा में आए एक विनाशकारी चक्रवात से बच जाता है। इस चक्रवात ने पूरे क्षेत्र में भारी तबाही मचाई, और प्रशांत दो दिनों तक एक छत पर फंसा रहता है। अपने गाँव लौटने पर, उसे पता चलता है कि उसका परिवार बच गया है। वह नेतृत्व की भूमिका निभाता है, राहत कार्यों का आयोजन करता है, और आपदा के बाद अपने समुदाय को पुनः संगठित करता है।

THINK ABOUT IT

1. What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?

The super cyclone caused massive devastation in Orissa, destroying homes, uprooting trees, and killing thousands of people. Entire villages were submerged, and the survivors were left without food, shelter, or basic necessities. The cyclone caused widespread loss of life and property, leaving people in a state of shock and grief.

2. How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?

Prashant, despite being a teenager, took on the role of a leader. He organized the youth and elders of the village to get food from merchants and clean the shelter. He also ensured that the orphaned children were taken care of and arranged for the women to work in food-for-work programs. His leadership helped the village survive and recover from the disaster.

3. How have the people of the community helped one another? What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?

The people of the community helped each other by sharing the little food they had and working together to gather resources and clean the shelter. The women of Kalikuda played a crucial role by looking after orphaned children, cooking food, and supporting the community emotionally and physically during the difficult days after the cyclone.

4. Why do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows? What alternatives do they consider?

Prashant and the other volunteers resisted the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows because they believed that these institutions would isolate them from the community and lead to loneliness and stigma. Instead, they proposed that orphans be resettled in foster families within the community, especially with widows who could provide them care and support.

5. Do you think Prashant is a good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?

Yes, Prashant showed great leadership by organizing the relief efforts, helping his community survive, and caring for the most vulnerable members, such as children and widows. This shows that young people, when motivated and determined, can come together to make a big difference during natural calamities by providing aid, leadership, and emotional support.

TALK ABOUT IT

Talk about the preparedness of the community for a natural disaster.

Preparedness for natural disasters involves creating evacuation plans, building permanent safe shelters, establishing warning systems, and organizing relief efforts. Safe housing should be built using materials that can withstand cyclones, floods, or earthquakes. People should also be trained to organize their own rescue operations and develop a strong survival instinct. Communities that are well-prepared can respond to disasters more effectively and save lives.

About the Author

Harsh Mander is an Indian author, social activist, and writer. His works often focus on human rights, justice, and the plight of the underprivileged. ‘Weathering the Storm in Ersama’ is a story of resilience, leadership, and the power of community during times of crisis.