Armero Has Disappeared From The Map! Class 8 English ICSE Extra Question And Answers
1. When and how was the news of the destruction of Armero received?
On 14th of November, 1985 the news of the destruction of Armero was received. It was a fine new morning when the author turned on his radio for the morning news and discovered the news that Armero, a town in Colombia was left devastated by a volcano.
2. What caused the destruction of Armero? How many people were affected by this?
Armero a town in Colombia was left devastated by a volcano. Lahar, a destructive mudflow whipped off Armero from the map.
Almost about 28,000 residents of Armero were affected by the disaster.
3. Describe the whole process as to how from the Nevado Del Ruiz the mud avalanche came to Almero?
Nevado Del Ruiz, a snowcapped volcanic peak exploded on the northeast side expelling out large quantities of sulfurous volcanic ash, the heat melted the snowcap. As a result, the leisurely flowing glacial streams were transformed to torrents of mud and ice. A large part of this slithering mass slipped into the Lagunilla River rolling and twisting downstream sweeping along trees and boulders with a speed descent to Armero.
4. What had been the level of destruction by the mud of avalanche?
Armero a thriving town in Colombia was left devastated by a volcano was totally swept away by a wall of mud emitted out of the narrow canyon. Almost everything got destroyed, only a few houses were left standing on the ground.
5. What had been the alarms before the destruction. How did the local and administration take it?
The smell of the sulphur in the air had been strong on the previous evening before the eruption and ashes began to fall.
Member of the emergency committee assured that there was nothing to be anxious, there was no reason for the alarm. They advised the town people to remain calmly in their home and use a damp handkerchief.
6. How at 7:30 things started to expose something unusual? How did the people react to it?
At 7:30, sudden torrential rain began to fall in Armero a town in Colombia and then suddenly stopped. It was followed by a strange fallout a fine warm and which soon covered the streets and the rooftops of the houses. It was quite unusual.
The residents of Armero were quite troubled and worried about the crisis situation. Looking at the rooftop many ran away to the higher ground for survival. But the majority stays back.
7. What did the mayor announce at 10:13? What had happened then with the atmosphere and with the people?
The Mayor of Armero interrupted a radio program at 10:13 pm saying that ” The water is here, it had taken an hour a quarter for the avalanche to travel 52m.”
Half of the residents were awakened by the heavy rain of sand and others heard the noise and shouting. Frantically, the people rushed out if their home. Vehicles
raced madly through the streets, blowing their horns, headless of people in their way. Many were run down before the wall of mud stuck.
8. How did the mud avalanche destroy the town in darkness after the people went crazy on the street?
The mud avalanche made a terrifying noise in the darkness. Everything was engulfed and swiftly carried away by the churning mass which swept down through the centre of the houses. The parents ripped their children’s by the arms and were carried helplessly to death. The survivors were coming out of mock, many were injured. They looked like zombies as if walking in their sleep. It was a horrible situation all around on the street of Armero.
9. What was the picture of devastation in the morning?
Early morning, alone crop duster surveyed the valley and he could hardly believe his eyes. Grey mud with 100 of bodies, animals and humans were found in place of a living town. Close to the mountainside, the thriving Armero was completely devastated by the volcano.
10. What did the surveyor report?
The surveyor reported that Armero, a town of Colombia was just an enormous beach. Nothing was left except few houses which were standing on the ground. People could be seen in the treetop, on walls, on hillsides etc. The situation was the worst.
11. What has been the condition of the survivors and every attempt to help them turned futile?
Survivors of the tragedy were coming up out of the muck, many were injured. They looked like zombies, walking in their sleep. Some were buried to the neck, crying for help. Those on the edge of morass were trying hard to reach those nearby. Some ventured into the muck but had to retreat as they were sucked down. Rescuers tried to drive a truck for help but unfortunately, it too was sucked under.
12. Six weeks later when the narrator visited the place of tragedy what did he witnessed?
Six weeks after the tragedy the narrator visited the place and was speechless after witnessing the condition of the place. There were only grey-white boulders strewed beach in the shape of enormous fan in place of a thriving town and resident which existed till a few days ago.
13. ”Nature a bounty and at the same time destructive”. Discuss
Often we are engrossed in approaching the various striking manifestations of the beauty of nature. For technology, we have so disconnected ourselves with the natural world that it is easy to forget nature remains as bounty as we are, even it vanishes bit by bit ignorant as we are, there is the abundance of the example of human activities causing environmental degradation. We come across such natural disasters which often lead to the destruction of the world, death of living ones. Besides fulfilling necessities it can also be harmful or destructive.
14. How far do you think modern technology can save us from the sort of natural disaster?
Technology plays a crucial role in keeping so many life alive through life support machines and other specialized types of equipment. Technology has been employed fast-track disaster relief efforts. Warning of violent storms and volcanic eruptions hours and days ahead have saved many lives and prevented property loss. Modern technologies developed has reduced exposure to natural hazard. Various instruments are used to detect and record natural calamities before saving a life.