Uttarakhand Floods by Sharani Beeram

 Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state located in the northern part of India. It has a hilly terrain

with three important rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Kaali passing through this state. The region

attracts adventure enthusiasts due to its rugged terrain, picturesque hill stations, and

breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage is a significant

attraction located in Uttarakhand.

In June 2013 the area suffered extensive damage and loss of life due to a flash flood

that was partly manmade and partly because of environmental causes. There was an

unforeseen and unusual amount of rainfall due to the fusion of westerlies and monsoon

winds; this in addition to cloud burst and glacier lake outburst led to flash floods and mass

destruction. According to the state government 169 people died,4021 people were

missing,4200 villages were affected,2513 houses were destroyed and 11091 livestock was

lost.

Environmental factors played a significant role in this disaster. Climate change and the

rising temperatures attributed to global warming disrupted the overall climate patterns,

resulting in unexpected heavy rainfall during June. Cloud bursts, characterized by intense

rainfall over a short period, were a direct consequence of these climatic shifts. As

temperatures increase, the atmosphere retains more moisture, facilitating sudden cloud

formation and subsequent downpours. Another contributing factor was the Glacier Lake

outburst,

Man-made factors include unwanted changes in the landscape. The root causes of the

calamity can be attributed to poor urban planning and unplanned construction activities,

unregulated tourism, intensive mining practices, and indiscriminate construction of

hydroelectricity projects in the region all of which led to the thinning of river bed stemming

from a combination of human-made and environmental influences. These elements

culminated in the Chorabari Glacier lake outburst, triggering rapid floods. The lack of proper

management and oversight in these sectors has contributed significantly to the occurrence

of the catastrophic event.

The unexpected and swift onset of floods caught both the state and central

governments off guard. With over 100,000 people stranded in various parts of the region,

districts such as Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh bore the brunt of the

devastation. In response to this crisis, a comprehensive rescue operation known as

Operation Surya Hope was initiated. This undertaking involved a coordinated effort by the

army, air force, navy, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force, National

Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Public Works Department, and local administration. The

central government provided aid to authorities, including three containers filled with

antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and intravenous drugs. Through tireless efforts from

the government, armed forces, and local communities, numerous lives were saved, and the

situation was eventually brought under control.However, there are many lessons to be

learned from this disaster and many steps to be taken.

Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters as they can cause significant

loss of life and property damage. Effective flood management is crucial to reducing the

impact of such disasters. To achieve this, it is essential to increase public awareness of

disaster risk management and develop strategies to reduce the community's impacts. This

can be done through conducting awareness campaigns, mock drills, disseminating

information through various media, and organizing workshops and training programs to

educate people about disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and evacuation plans.

It is important to prioritize the establishment of efficient legal frameworks and

agencies, especially those related to disaster management. The Uttarakhand State Disaster

Management Authority (USDMA) is a crucial agency of the State Government that plays a

vital role in disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and management. The USDMA

formulates policies and strategies for disaster management in the state, approves disaster

management plans, and coordinates their implementation. These plans include early

warning systems, evacuation plans, infrastructure improvements, and post-disaster recovery

efforts. Additionally, implementing building codes, enforcing bylaws, and preventing poorly

planned dam projects can help maintain the ecological flow of the region. Strict laws against

deforestation can also help protect the environment and reduce the incidence of floods.

Local administration like the panchayats must be equipped with sufficient resources,

especially in disaster-prone areas. Providing basic medical amenities like medicines, first aid

kits, and injections which are essential during a disaster to the local panchayats can ensure

efficient distribution of medications and quick first aid to prevent further injury and mitigate

the chances of infection. During the Uttarakhand floods, the central government sent medical

aid which was stuck due to bad weather; To prevent such difficulties it's important to

empower local administration. This can be done by giving them the resources they need to

help their communities. Strengthening the local administration can be a helpful approach to

assist people in avoiding difficult situations.

In conclusion, the Uttarakhand flash flood disaster of June 2013 stands as a stark

reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from a combination of

environmental vulnerabilities and human negligence. The event not only caused immense

loss of life and property but also highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive disaster

management strategies. By integrating climate resilience into development strategies,

promoting sustainable practices, and fostering greater collaboration between government

agencies, local communities, and stakeholders, we can pave the way for a safer, more

sustainable future in Uttarakhand and beyond. Only through concerted efforts and collective

action can we mitigate the risks posed by natural disasters and build a more resilient society

for generations to come.

References: National Institute of Disaster Management(India)

https://nidm.gov.in/PDF/pubs/ukd-p1.pdf; USDMA website https://usdma.uk.gov.in/ ;The

Indian Express article

https://indianexpress.com/article/research/here-is-what-happened-in-kedarnath-and-rest-of-u

ttarakhand-in-2013-5482050/lite/