UTTARAKHAND FLOOD DISASTER
A tragedy of natural & unnatural causes.-By Sidharth Arun 9M
The disaster in Northern India
The Himalayan regions of India are geologically fragile and highly eco-sensitive, and hence prone to certain types of natural disasters.
This was the country's worst natural disaster after the 2004 tsunami.
Land of GODS
Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful places in India. It is also considered as THE LAND OF GODS. Uttarakhand is well-know for it's CHOTA CHAR DHAMS:-
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
- Gangotri
- Yamunotri
THE HOLY LAND
The monsoon of 2013 destroyed Uttarakhand
The causes of the disaster
The causes of the Uttarakhand flood disaster includes both man-made and natural reasons.
Natural causes of the disaster
During the monsoon months of 2013, Uttarakhand received heavy rainfall which was above the benchmark. In June 2013, a multi-day cloudburst centered on the North Indian state of Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall for four consecutive days as well as melting snow aggravated the floods. The early monsoon was also said to be one of the reasons, people were unaware as the monsoon entered early. Meteorologists also came to a conclusion that the increasing Global Warming played a role in this disaster.
Man-made causes of the disaster
Nature isn't the only one faulty. This disaster have been officially termed as a natural calamity. However, the true causes of the epic tragedy is growth of tourism, unchecked rapid increase of roads, hotels, shops and multi-storied buildings ecologically fragile areas and unplanned constructions are also the causes. The rapid growth of hydroelectricity dams that disrupt the water balances are also one of the causes which triggered the disaster. Deforestation is an important factor for the landslides that happened.
Historical significance of places in Uttarkhand were disaster was severe
As told earlier, Uttarakhand is the LAND OF GODS. The pilgrimage sites and the ancient historical places contain a lot of history. The Chota Char Dhams and the historical sites were affected by the disaster. The consequences were severe. The pilgrimage centers and the places with historical significance are the highlights of the state. A lot of locals and tourists visit these places. The main places that had been severely affected were these old villages, historical sites and holy places. The pilgrimage temples like Kedarnath and Badrinath are ancient temples and hold a lot of history and are of great historical significance.
Rescue Operations
- The Army, Air Force, Navy, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Public Works Department and local administrations worked together for quick rescue operations
- Several thousand soldiers were deployed for the rescue operations.
- Helicopters were used to rescue people.
- ITBP Jawans distributed medicines to stranded pilgrims.
- Local people distributed food to rescue pilgrims near IAF base camp.
- By 21 June 2013, the Army had deployed 10,000 soldiers and 11 helicopters.
- The Navy sent 45 naval divers, and the Air Force deployed 43 air crafts.
- The IAF airlifted a total of 18,424 people. The dropped relief material and equipment of 3,36,930 kg to land.
- Several other states announced financial assistance.
- Financial aid had been provided by USA and the US Ambassador.
- The Indian Army and Government had taken a lot of effort working tirelessly to rescue people.
- The local people also cooperated giving in their best to help and serve the people. The rescue operations were a combined effort of the government and the locals.
Full Uttarakhand Flood Video Compilation from Start to End Kedarnath Badrinath Flood Video