India, Uttarakand Disaster, June 2013 : Joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment Report

The State of Uttarakhand experienced an
unprecedented high rainfall between June 15 and 17, 2013
that resulted in flash floods and landslides within the
State. The continuous rain disrupted normal life resulting
in a total of 580 human lives being lost, more than 4,000
persons missing and over hundred thousand pilgrims being
stranded. This event has affected over 900,000 people in
Uttarakhand this year. The numerous landslides and toe
erosion by the sediment loaded rivers caused breaching of
roads and highways at many locations and washed away several
bridges; disrupting traffic and telecommunication links
within the state. The Government of Uttarakhand (GoU)
launched a massive emergency rescue and evacuation operation
with assistance from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force
(IAF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the National
Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the local Police
evacuating more than 110,000 people from these flood
affected areas. The State Government continues to ensure
that there is no shortage of food and other essential
supplies, especially for communities in areas with
connectivity problems. Additionally, doctors and paramedics
were deployed in the disaster affected areas to provide
medical services. This report presents an assessment of the
physical damages with a sector-wise impact of the disaster,
reconstruction needs and preliminary estimates specifically
with regards to infrastructure, housing, services and livelihood.