Weathering the Storm in Ersama Summary and Important Questions for class 9th
Weathering the Storm in Ersama by Harsh Mander is an intense
story that makes you think, set against the backdrop of the devastating 1999
Odisha storm that destroyed the seaside community of Ersama. In this gripping
non-fiction book, Mander transports readers to the moments following the
natural disaster, providing a detailed and incredibly personal portrayal of the
struggles the people endured and their incredible fortitude in the face of
hardship.
Weathering
the Storm in Ersama Summary
Weathering the Storm in Ersama is Harsh Mander's gripping
nonfiction account describes the disastrous effects of the 1999 Odisha cyclone
on the seaside community of Ersama. In addition to detailing the immediate
aftermath of the natural disaster, the story explores the villagers' fortitude,
tenacity, and camaraderie in the face of the cyclone's obstacles.
The author gives a first-hand description of landing in
Ersama a few days after the cyclone made landfall, which opens the novel. The
storyline, which aims to depict the experiences of individuals and the
community's reaction to the disaster, is set in motion by the graphic
depictions of the chaos and damage. The story is told via the lenses of
individual stories, creating a mosaic of viewpoints that when combined provide
a complete image of the villagers' struggle for survival and recovery.
One of the prominent features of the narrative is its focus
on the human dimension of the disaster. The author introduces readers to
individuals like Budhan Sabar, a survivor who loses his entire family, and
Sukantia Majhi, who narrates the harrowing experience of losing her children to
the storm surge. These personal stories serve to humanize the broader impact of
the cyclone, highlighting the profound losses and grief faced by the villagers.
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The narrative also sheds light on the immediate challenges
faced by the survivors—lack of food, water, and shelter. The breakdown of
infrastructure and communication further compounds these challenges, leaving
the villagers isolated and in desperate need of assistance. The author
describes the initial response from the government and relief agencies,
illustrating both the successes and shortcomings of the relief efforts.
Central to the narrative is the villagers' resilience and
their ability to come together in the face of adversity. The formation of
community kitchens, where survivors pooled their meager resources to cook and
share meals, exemplifies the spirit of solidarity that emerged in Ersama. The
narrative emphasizes the importance of community-driven initiatives and the
role of local leadership in organizing and mobilizing resources for recovery.
The author also explores the psychological impact of the
cyclone on the survivors. Post-traumatic stress, grief, and the struggle to
rebuild lives are recurring themes. The narrative follows the villagers as they
grapple with the emotional toll of the disaster, depicting a nuanced
understanding of the long-term effects of such catastrophic events on the human
psyche.
The government's role in the rehabilitation and
reconstruction process becomes a critical aspect of the narrative. The author
examines both the positive initiatives and the systemic challenges that hinder
the effective implementation of relief measures. This includes issues of
corruption, bureaucratic hurdles, and the gap between policy formulation and
on-the-ground implementation.
The story concludes with a reflection on the enduring legacy
of the cyclone. While Ersama undergoes physical reconstruction, the emotional
scars persist. The author raises important questions about the broader
implications of climate change, the vulnerability of coastal communities, and
the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to disaster
management.
Harsh Mander's narrative is not merely a chronicle of a
natural disaster; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and
the power of community in the face of overwhelming challenges. Through personal
stories, the narrative humanizes the statistics and brings to life the
experiences of the survivors. "Weathering the Storm in Ersama" serves
as a call to action, urging readers to reflect on the interconnected issues of
climate change, poverty, and the responsibilities of society in mitigating the
impact of such disasters.
Characters
in Weathering the Storm in Ersama
1. Budhan Sabar:
Role: Survivor
Budhan Sabar is introduced in the narrative as a survivor who
experienced the full force of the cyclone. His personal story becomes a
poignant lens through which the broader impact of the disaster on the community
is explored. Budhan Sabar's narrative likely includes details of loss,
survival, and the challenges faced by individuals in the aftermath of the
storm.
2. Sukantia Majhi:
Role: Survivor
Sukantia Majhi is another survivor whose personal account is
featured in the narrative. She likely shares her experiences of the cyclone,
recounting the harrowing moments of the storm surge and the impact it had on
her family. Sukantia Majhi's story contributes to the mosaic of individual
narratives that collectively convey the human cost of the natural disaster.
3. Harsh Mander (Author/Narrator):
Role: Author and Narrator
As the author and narrator, Harsh Mander provides a firsthand
account of his experiences in Ersama in the aftermath of the cyclone. His
observations, interactions with the survivors, and reflections on the broader
implications of the disaster form the backbone of the narrative. Mander's
perspective guides readers through the devastation, the resilience of the
community, and the challenges faced in the reconstruction efforts.
Weathering the Storm in Ersama Important Questions and Answers
1. What did Prashant do for the orphans?
Prashant decided to help the orphans. He brought them
together and put up a polythene sheet shelter for them. Women were requested to
look after them properly. He also arranged food for them.
2. What did Prashant do to divert the attention of the women?
Prashant wanted to divert the attention of the women who had
lost their family members. He persuaded them to start working in the
food-for-work programme started by an NGO. He organised sports activities for
children.
3.
The true traits of an individual come to the fore in times of emergency. What traits come to one’s notice
in Prashant, during the calamity
that struck Ersama in coastal Orissa?
The storm at Ersama, left a deep impact on the observant
Prashant, who realised that he had never before seen such a destruction. His
self-determination made him turn a deaf ear to all warnings and set out in
search of his family, wading through water across 18 miles. Prashant, a born
leader, soon organized the youth and elders of the village for pressurizing the
local merchant to release rice stocks.
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