Class 9 English NCERT Solutions: Weathering The Storm In Ersama

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English, Chapter 6, 'Weathering The Storm In Ersama'. It delves into the devastating impact of the super cyclone on the lives and property of the people in Orissa, highlighting the widespread destruction and loss. The solutions also focus on the remarkable resilience and community spirit shown in the aftermath, particularly through the actions of the young protagonist, Prashant. It explains how Prashant emerged as a leader, organizing relief efforts, mobilizing the community, and providing support to the affected population, including orphans and widows. The solutions emphasize the importance of collective action, mutual support, and innovative approaches in overcoming the challenges posed by natural calamities, offering valuable insights for exam revision.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	6. Weathering The Storm In Ersama

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English focus on the story 'Weathering The Storm In Ersama'. The solutions detail the catastrophic damage caused by a super cyclone in Orissa, illustrating the immense loss of life and property. They highlight the courage and leadership of a young boy, Prashant, who takes initiative to help his village recover. The solutions cover community efforts in relief and rehabilitation, including organizing food, medical aid, and care for orphans and widows, showcasing the strength of collective action during a crisis.

Learning outcomes

Understand the devastating impact of natural calamities like cyclones.
Analyze the role of leadership and community support in disaster recovery.
Identify the challenges faced by victims of natural disasters.
Appreciate the resilience and strength of the human spirit in adversity.
Learn about the importance of collective action and mutual aid during crises.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Super cyclone impact
Orissa disaster
Community resilience
Leadership in crisis
Disaster relief efforts
Humanitarian aid
Orphans and widows
Psychological impact of disasters
Youth empowerment
Mutual support
Rehabilitation
Story analysis

Important topics

Impact of the Super Cyclone
Prashant's Leadership
Community Mobilization
Care for Vulnerable Groups
Resilience and Hope
Alternatives to Institutions

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Questions and Solutions

Q1: What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?

What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?

Solution: The super cyclone unleashed immense destruction upon the lives of the people in Orissa. The aftermath was a scene of utter devastation, described as a 'raging deadly brown sheet of water' that submerged everything. Only a few remnants of fractured cement houses remained standing. The landscape was littered with the floating carcasses of both animals and humans, and even large, ancient trees had been uprooted and fallen. The journey towards Prashant's village revealed increasingly horrific sights, with the group having to push aside numerous human bodies and the remains of dogs, goats, and cattle. The scale of destruction was so vast that hardly any house was left intact; most had been completely washed away.

Q2: How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?

How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?

Solution: Prashant, a teenager, demonstrated remarkable leadership and initiative in helping his village recover from the super cyclone. Initially shocked by the devastation, he quickly composed himself and stepped into a leadership role. He organized a group comprising both youths and elders to collectively pressure a local merchant into providing rice for the displaced villagers. Following this success, he formed a team of young volunteers. This team was tasked with cleaning the makeshift shelter and attending to the injuries and wounds of the cyclone victims. Furthermore, Prashant gathered the orphaned children and established a temporary shelter for them using polythene sheets. He mobilized the women to care for these children while the men focused on securing essential supplies like food for the shelter. Recognizing the growing grief among the women, he persuaded them to participate in the food-for-work program initiated by an NGO and also organized recreational sports activities for the children to help them cope.

Q3: How have the people of the community helped one another? What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?

How have the people of the community helped one another? What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?

Solution: The people of the community demonstrated strong mutual support and collective action, largely under Prashant's guidance. They united to exert pressure on a merchant to share his rice, addressing the critical issue of starvation. A communal fire was lit to cook the rice, providing the first substantial meal for many since the cyclone. A dedicated team of young volunteers was formed to clean the shelter and provide essential medical care, including tending to wounds and fractures of the injured. When a military helicopter dropped relief supplies but did not return, the youth task force ingeniously used empty utensils. They had children lie on the sand with these utensils to signal to passing helicopters that they were in need of food. Initially, the women of Kalikuda took on the crucial role of caring for the orphaned children. Although they were deeply affected by grief, Prashant encouraged them to participate in the food-for-work program initiated by an NGO, helping them to channel their energy constructively and contribute to the community's recovery.

Q4: What do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows? Why alternatives do they consider?

What do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows? Why alternatives do they consider?

Solution: Prashant and the other volunteers opposed the idea of establishing separate institutions for orphans and widows. Their primary concern was that children raised in such institutions might grow up lacking love and emotional support, and that widows might face social stigma and profound loneliness. Instead of institutionalization, Prashant's group advocated for integrating these vulnerable individuals back into the community. They considered alternatives such as resettling orphans within their own village, potentially by creating new foster families. These foster families could be formed by childless widows who could provide care, and children who had lost their adult guardians, thereby ensuring a more nurturing and integrated environment.

Q5: Do you think Prashant is good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?

Do you think Prashant is good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?

Solution: Yes, Prashant is undoubtedly a very good leader. Despite being personally affected by the grief and shock of the cyclone, he managed to control his emotions and took charge of the situation in his village. He effectively fulfilled his leadership responsibilities by organizing various relief efforts and providing crucial support to the villagers in numerous ways. Yes, young people possess the energy, enthusiasm, and capability to effectively come together and assist others during natural calamities. Their strength and vigour can be channeled into organizing relief, providing aid, and supporting recovery efforts, proving invaluable in times of crisis.

Common mistakes

Underestimating the psychological impact of disasters on individuals.
Overlooking the importance of long-term rehabilitation strategies.
Failing to recognize the contributions of young people in disaster relief.
Assuming that external aid is always sufficient without community involvement.

Revision tips

Focus on the sequence of events and Prashant's evolving role.
Identify specific examples of community help and individual initiative.
Understand the emotional and physical challenges faced by the villagers.
Consider the alternative solutions proposed for orphans and widows.
Reflect on the themes of leadership and resilience presented in the story.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the immediate aftermath of the super cyclone described in the story?

Q2. Who emerged as a key leader in helping the villagers after the cyclone?

Q3. What was one of the first actions Prashant took to help his community?

Q4. Why did Prashant and his group resist setting up institutions for orphans and widows?

Q5. What alternative did Prashant's group consider for orphans and widows?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the CBSE Class 9 English chapter 'Weathering The Storm In Ersama'?

The main theme is the devastating impact of a super cyclone on a community and the subsequent resilience, courage, and collective action shown by the people, particularly a young boy named Prashant, in overcoming the disaster.

How did the super cyclone affect the people of Orissa, according to the NCERT Solutions?

The super cyclone caused widespread destruction, leaving behind a landscape of devastation with floating carcasses, fallen trees, and destroyed homes. It resulted in immense loss of life and property.

What role did Prashant play in helping his village recover?

Prashant emerged as a leader, organizing relief efforts, mobilizing youth and elders to secure food, providing medical aid, caring for orphans, and encouraging the community to rebuild their lives.

Why are these NCERT Solutions important for Class 9 English students?

These solutions help students understand the chapter's narrative, analyze its themes of disaster, resilience, and leadership, and prepare for exam questions by providing clear, detailed answers to all exercises.

What alternative did Prashant and his group propose for orphans and widows instead of institutions?

They suggested resettling orphans within the community, possibly in new foster families formed by childless widows and children needing adult care, to ensure they received love and support.

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