Social vulnerability and disasters – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct because they show that disasters affect people differently based on social conditions and that community-based approaches can build resilience. Statement C is incorrect; it treats disasters as purely natural when in fact social and economic factors shape who is most affected. Thus, the combination including A, B and D only, and excluding C, is the correct set of statements.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because although A and B are true, it leaves out D, which correctly emphasises the importance of community-based disaster risk reduction. Without D, the option does not fully reflect approaches to reducing vulnerability.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it includes B and D but omits A. While B and D are true, A is also correct in recognising that marginalised groups are often more vulnerable. Leaving out A makes the combination incomplete.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together A, B and D, all of which align with the social science understanding of disasters as interacting with inequalities. It also properly excludes C, which wrongly denies the role of social and economic conditions.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since it groups A, C and D and treats C as true. The presence of C, which mischaracterises disasters as purely natural, makes the whole combination unacceptable despite including two correct statements.