CBSE Class 9 English – Weathering the Storm in Ersama
Notes, Summary, Themes, Character Sketches & Important QnA
Table of Contents
Summary of the Story
The story is set during the super cyclone that hit Orissa on 27 October 1999, causing massive destruction and loss of life. Prashant, a nineteen-year-old boy, was stranded at his friend’s house in Ersama when the storm struck. For two days, he and the family survived on coconuts while sitting on the rooftop. When the rain ceased, Prashant set out to find his family.
On his journey back, he witnessed horrifying scenes of destruction, including dead bodies of humans and animals. Upon reaching his village, he found his family alive in a Red Cross shelter. Despite the tragedy, Prashant showed remarkable courage and leadership by organizing relief measures—distributing food, cleaning the shelter, caring for orphans, and supporting widows. His compassion and determination gave hope to the survivors.
The story emphasizes the power of resilience, courage, and collective responsibility in the face of natural disasters.
Major Themes
Resilience in Adversity
The story highlights human strength and determination in the face of tragedy.
Compassion & Leadership
Prashant’s actions show how compassion and initiative can rebuild communities.
Community Support
The importance of unity and collective responsibility during crises is emphasized.
Hope & Healing
The story portrays how courage and support can heal wounds of loss and grief.
Character Sketches
Prashant
Prashant is the central character of the story. At just nineteen, he showed remarkable courage, resilience, and leadership. He not only cared for his family but also took charge of relief efforts in his village, proving himself a symbol of hope and strength.
The Villagers
The villagers represent the suffering yet resilient spirit of humanity. Despite losing their homes and loved ones, they came together to rebuild their lives with determination.
Important Questions & Answers
Q1: Where was Prashant when the cyclone hit Orissa in 1999?
Ans: He was at his friend’s house in Ersama, a small town near the coast of Orissa.
Q2: How did Prashant and his friend’s family survive during the cyclone?
Ans: They took shelter on the rooftop and survived on coconuts from fallen trees.
Q3: What was Prashant’s first concern after the cyclone?
Ans: His first thought was about the safety of his family, and he set out to find them as soon as the rains ceased.
Q4: How did Prashant help the cyclone survivors in the shelter?
Ans: He organized relief measures like collecting rice, cleaning the shelter, arranging food drops, and providing care for orphans and widows.
Q5: What is the central message of the story?
Ans: The story conveys the importance of courage, leadership, and compassion in rebuilding lives after tragedies.
Glossary
menacing: dangerous and harmful
incessant: unceasing; continual
swirled: moved or flowed along with a whirling motion
carcasses: dead bodies of animals
bereaved: lost a close relation or friend through death
remnants: small remaining quantities
motley: disparate; varied in appearance or character
tumult: uproar of a disorderly crowd
References
NCERT Moments – Class 9 English Supplementary Reader, Chapter 6: Weathering the Storm in Ersama by Harsh Mander.