When the Earth Shook! – Complete Guide for CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 14

Welcome to iPrep—Your Learning Super App!

Hey there! Ready to dive into an exciting lesson? Let’s explore “When the Earth Shook!” from Class 5 EVS with simple explanations, real-life stories, and interactive activities. This lesson will help us be better prepared in case of natural disasters. 

When the Earth Shook! Understanding Earthquakes & Staying Safe

A Nightmare Comes True: Jasma’s Story

“Help! Help! Save me! Aaahhh!”

Jasma suddenly woke, her heart beating fast. It was the same nightmare she had been having since the earthquake hit her village. Even though six years had passed since the Bhuj earthquake, the memories were still fresh.

Jasma is an 11-year-old girl from Kutch, Gujarat. She still remembers the terrifying day—January 26, 2001 when the earth shook. Her village turned to rubble. Buildings crumbled, people panicked, and chaos took over. Jasma fractured her leg, and her beloved grandfather, Nana, was trapped under the debris.

The aftermath of an earthquake.

What Happens During an Earthquake?

During an earthquake, the ground shakes suddenly due to movements inside the Earth. Earthquakes can
– Collapse buildings
– Crack roads
– Trigger massive ocean waves called tsunamis

Helping Hands in Tough Times: When the Earth Shook!

After the disaster, help poured in from cities. Volunteers brought:
  Food, medicines, and clothes
️ Tents to survive the freezing nights
  Ideas for safer housing

Engineers introduced earthquake-resistant designs, but villagers preferred rebuilding with familiar materials like clay, cow dung, and wood, ensuring both safety and tradition.

Activity: Compare Your House!

List the materials used in your house. How do they compare to Jasma’s family’s home? Which ones do you think are safer in an earthquake?

Rebuilding Life: A Fresh Start!

Jasma’s village worked together to rebuild. Their homes were made of:
– Clay and cow dung cakes for walls
– Thatched roofs for warmth
– Decorations with mirrors and whitewash

What Should We Do During an Earthquake?

If you’re indoors:
– Get under a sturdy table & hold on
– Stay away from windows and heavy objects

If you’re outside:
– Move to an open area—away from trees & buildings

Practicing earthquake safety measures.

The Bhuj Earthquake: A TV Report

According to news reports:
  – Thousands were injured, and many lost their lives
  – Buildings collapsed, trapping people under rubble
  – Rescue teams, including the army, worked tirelessly

Imagine & Create: Your Own Report!

Imagine an earthquake hit your area. Write a news report covering:
– The date & cause
– The damage done
– Who helped & how

Caring for Animals During Disasters: When the Earth Shook!

Animals feel earthquakes too!  Jasma’s family made sure their pets and cattle were safe in an open field.

Discussion: What would you do so that your pets remain protected during an earthquake?

Natural Disasters Around the World

Natural disasters like floods, droughts, cyclones and earthquakes affect lacs worldwide. Be prepared!
  Join safety drills to learn how to act quickly.
  Pack an emergency kit with food, water, flashlight & first aid.

Interactive Challenge: Build Your Emergency Kit!

What should you pack? Start with:
  – Dry food
  – Flashlight & batteries
  – First-aid supplies
  – Bottled water

 Can you think of 3 more items to add?

Lessons We Learned: When the Earth Shook!

– Jasma’s story of survival and resilience
– The power of helping each other during disasters
– How to stay safe during an earthquake

Let’s work together to build safer homes, take care of one another, and always be prepared!

To read the NCERT text of When the Earth Shook!, click here.
To read our notes for the previous chapter, A Shelter So High!, click here.