Read the cloze passage and answer the following questions:
South India, known for its tropical climate, _____ (3) heavy rainfall during both the southwest and northeast monsoons. While rain is essential for agriculture and replenishing water sources, excessive downpours can cause widespread disruption. Cities like Chennai, Kochi, and Bengaluru often face flooding, traffic standstills, and an interruption to daily life during intense monsoon spells.
One major consequence of heavy rainfall is waterlogging, which damages roads, slows transportation, and increases the risk of accidents. (1) Prolonged wet conditions can also lead to the spread of waterborne diseases. Rural areas face _____ (4) own challenges, with farmlands getting inundated, affecting crops and the livelihoods of farmers.
The infrastructure in many urban centres is not adequately prepared to handle sudden and intense showers. Poor drainage systems, encroachment on waterways, and unplanned construction exacerbate the problem. Authorities often resort to emergency measures such as pumping out water, diverting traffic, and issuing weather advisories.
While heavy rainfall is a natural part of South India's climate, climate change is making weather patterns more unpredictable. This has led to both unusually intense rains and prolonged dry spells in some years. Effective urban planning, investment in drainage (2) infrastructure, and community awareness are _____ (5) to mitigating the impact of these events.
The word 'infrastructure' in the passage is closest in meaning to:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer: Basic physical systems and facilities needed for a society
Explanation
• Infrastructure refers to the fundamental physical structures, facilities, and systems (such as roads, bridges, drainage networks, and water supply) required for a community or city to function effectively.
• In the passage, the word is used in relation to drainage systems, roads, and urban planning that help manage heavy rainwater.
• Example: The municipal corporation allocated funds to upgrade the city's transport and drainage infrastructure before the monsoon.