📘 Weathering the Storm in Ersama
By Harsh Mander (Class 9 English – Moments)
✅ 1–40: Short Question Answers (2–3 lines each with colorful bullets)
🔵 Who is the narrator of the story?
The narrator is Prashant, a 19-year-old boy from Kalikuda.
🟢 Where was Prashant when the storm hit?
He was visiting his friend in Erama, a coastal town in Odisha.
🟡 When did the cyclone hit Ersama?
The cyclone hit on 27th October 1999.
🔴 What kind of destruction did the cyclone cause?
It caused massive flooding, loss of life, and destruction of property.
🔵 Where did Prashant take shelter during the storm?
He took shelter on the roof of a house with his friend’s family.
🟣 How long did Prashant stay on the roof?
He stayed there for two days till the storm calmed.
🟢 What did Prashant decide after the storm ended?
He decided to walk back home to Kalikuda.
🟡 How far was Kalikuda from Ersama?
It was about 18 kilometres away.
🔴 What kind of scenes did Prashant witness on the way?
He saw fallen trees, dead bodies, and animals floating in water.
🔵 What did Prashant find when he reached his village?
He found his house destroyed but his family safe at the shelter.
🟣 Where was Prashant’s family taking shelter?
They were in a Red Cross shelter.
🟢 What was the condition of the shelter?
It was overcrowded, with limited food and water.
🟡 What did Prashant do at the shelter?
He took leadership to help the people recover.
🔴 What initiative did Prashant take?
He organized volunteers to clean and help distribute food.
🔵 Who helped Prashant distribute food?
The youth and women of the shelter helped him.
🟣 What did Prashant do for children?
He started games and activities to keep them engaged.
🟢 How did he support widows and orphans?
He helped them get support from NGOs.
🟡 What was the role of NGOs in Ersama?
They provided food, medicine, and shelter support.
🔴 How did Prashant unite the community?
Through compassion and active leadership.
🔵 What is the main theme of the story?
Leadership in crisis and human resilience.
🟣 What quality made Prashant stand out?
His courage, initiative, and selflessness.
🟢 How did people react to Prashant’s leadership?
They were inspired and followed him willingly.
🟡 What shows Prashant’s empathy?
He took special care of the orphans and widows.
🔴 How did Prashant manage food supplies?
He organized volunteers to request and distribute food.
🔵 How did the children benefit from Prashant’s actions?
They regained normalcy and joy through games.
🟣 What impact did Prashant make on the community?
He brought hope, unity, and recovery.
🟢 How did Prashant serve as a symbol?
As a symbol of youth strength and social responsibility.
🟡 Why is the story titled so?
It shows how people endured and survived the storm.
🔴 What natural disaster is described in the story?
A super cyclone.
🔵 How does the story show the power of hope?
Through Prashant’s efforts to rebuild lives.
🟣 What lesson does the story teach about leadership?
Real leaders rise in tough times.
🟢 What do we learn about disaster relief?
It needs quick action and community effort.
🟡 What were people eating after the storm?
Green coconuts and anything they could find.
🔴 How was Prashant’s village affected?
Most homes destroyed, livestock lost.
🔵 How did Prashant influence relief distribution?
He ensured fair distribution.
🟣 What values did Prashant demonstrate?
Responsibility, empathy, leadership, resilience.
🟢 How did the people of Ersama cope?
They united and supported each other.
🟡 What role did women play in the shelter?
They cooked and helped care for orphans.
🔴 What was Prashant’s first concern after the storm?
To check on his family’s safety.
🔵 How does the story end?
With a hopeful message of recovery and strength.
✅ 41–45: Long Question Answers (100–120 words)
41. Describe Prashant’s role during the cyclone relief.
🟦 Prashant, despite being just 19, showed outstanding leadership. After surviving the cyclone, he walked 18 km to check on his family. Finding them safe but in a shelter, he took charge. He organized youth to clean the shelter, helped distribute food, and cared for orphans and widows. He approached NGOs for aid and made sure resources were shared fairly. His actions brought hope and helped rebuild lives. His leadership and empathy transformed the community during a tragic time.
42. How did the cyclone affect the lives of people in Ersama?
🟩 The cyclone of October 1999 was devastating. It killed thousands, destroyed homes, and left people stranded. Villages were flooded, trees uprooted, and animals drowned. People had no food or water for days. Many became homeless. Families were separated. Fear, sadness, and hunger dominated their lives. Relief was slow to arrive. However, the tragedy also brought people together. Community support and individuals like Prashant gave hope and started the healing process.
43. What qualities of Prashant inspired others?
🟥 Prashant showed courage, compassion, and leadership. Despite his young age, he didn’t lose hope. He took action to help others by organizing food, cleaning, and care for the needy. He was selfless and focused on everyone’s wellbeing. His maturity and empathy inspired trust and cooperation. He worked tirelessly to get help from NGOs and ensured fairness in distribution. His calm and proactive nature motivated others to contribute.
44. How does “Weathering the Storm in Ersama” highlight the importance of community?
🟨 The story shows that in times of crisis, community is the biggest strength. People supported each other, shared food, and cared for the weak. Prashant’s leadership united the villagers. Everyone, including women and youth, contributed to rebuilding life. Together, they overcame hunger, despair, and loss. The shared bond of survival helped them recover faster. It’s a powerful message that unity and compassion can heal even the worst tragedies.
45. What makes Prashant’s story inspiring?
🟧 Prashant’s story is inspiring because it shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things in times of crisis. His courage to walk through a flooded land, his selfless work at the shelter, and his leadership in managing relief efforts are truly heroic. He didn’t wait for others—he became the support everyone needed. His actions helped an entire community recover. The story proves that youth, empathy, and action can bring change.
✅ 46–50: Value-Based Questions
46. What value do we learn from Prashant’s actions?
🟦 We learn about responsibility, empathy, and leadership.
47. How did the storm teach people about unity?
🟩 It made them realize the power of coming together in crisis.
48. Why is it important to help during disasters?
🟥 Because timely help can save lives and reduce suffering.
49. What qualities must a good leader show during disaster?
🟨 A good leader must show calmness, courage, and care.
50. How can students contribute in similar situations?
🟧 By helping in community efforts, spreading awareness, and supporting NGOs.