In mid-June 2013, Uttarakhand, a region revered for its spiritual significance and breathtaking landscapes, was struck by cloudburst that led to catastrophic floods and landslides during what was an unusually heavy monsoon season. Over the course of several days, rivers like the
Mandakini overflowed and devastated areas including the sacred Kedarnath Valley. The disaster resulted in over 6,000 deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure, with losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the catastrophic natural disaster that struck Uttarakhand in June 2013. As we commemorate a decade since this tragic event, it’s crucial to reflect on the impact, the lessons learned, and the strides taken towards resilience. The disaster
not only highlighted the region’s vulnerabilities caused by environmental mismanagement and insufficient regulatory frameworks but also underscored the urgent need for sustainable development practices in harmony with nature.
Human Impact and Government Response
The scope of the disaster was staggering, more than 900,000 people were affected, with hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes. In response, the Government of Uttarakhand, with support from national forces like the Indian Army and Air Force, launched
one of the largest rescue operations in the country’s history, evacuating over 110,000 individuals. Despite these efforts, the response was hampered by damaged infrastructure and the challenging terrain, which made access to the affected areas extremely difficult.
The Role of Unplanned Development
The disaster was exacerbated by extensive unregulated development in the region. Ecologically fragile zones were laden with new constructions, including 427 planned dams on the River Ganga and its tributaries, significantly altering the landscape and increasing vulnerability to natural calamities. This rampant development was a crucial factor contributing to the severity
of the floods, with environmental experts pointing out the lack of enforcement of environmental laws in these sensitive areas.
SEEDS’ planting the seeds of resilience
From earthquakes to climate change Uttarakhand is very fragile. SEEDS (SustainableEnvironment and Ecological Development Society) a 30 year old organization, recognizing the acute needs of the disaster-prone communities, swiftly deployed a response team post the
Kedarnath floods.
When the cloudburst triggered flooding, the riverside, packed with essential services for pilgrims, was swept away, devastating the local economy. SEEDS engaged in recovery efforts post the earthquake in Uttarakhand by conducting relief efforts.
SEEDS has worked in Uttarakhand since 1994 and was familiar with its fragile environment.
During its ‘Parvat Yatra’ to raise awareness about preparedness during earthquakes it had supported the state with several rehabilitation measures. When the Kedarnath floods resulted in the abandonment of 500 villages, prompting the government to initiate the “Palayan Roko
Abhiyan,” an anti-migration campaign, SEEDS joined the efforts to foster the communities’ resilience by collaborating with state authorities to rebuild schools and sustain communities, enhancing income sources for women’s groups.
Recognizing the immediate needs, they focused on providing privacy for women in shelters and supplying essential utensils for families to prepare meals. They distributed family tents and cooking utensils to 193 of the most vulnerable families in Rudraprayag. Efforts were also made to continue children’s education, with temporary school setups and mid-day meal provisions, despite the logistical challenges posed by damaged roads and disrupted transportation.
Echoes of Resilience: Shaping a Safer Future
Ten years after the disastrous floods of 2013, Uttarakhand has witnessed significant changes in disaster preparedness and community resilience. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate such disasters in the future.
Organizations like SEEDS have been instrumental in this transformation, not just by rebuilding the physical infrastructure but also by fortifying the human spirit through education and empowerment. As we remember those challenging times, it’s imperative to carry forward the lessons learned and ensure that the echoes of the past help shape a safer, more resilient future for Uttarakhand and beyond. This decade of recovery and resilience is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the collective will to not only rebuild but to improve and thrive against all odds.
