The recent devastation in Uttarakhand (a northern state in India famous for its pilgrimage sites) from unprecedented heavy rains due to a cloud burst, triggered flash floods and landslides along the two main river basins of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
More than 1.6 million lives in the districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Garhwal covering an area of 53,483 sqare kilometers has been majorly affected with more than thousand lives lost by government estimates. Collateral damage includes 1100 roads, 94 bridges and the loss estimated at around a billion dollars. With more than 99,000 people rescued by the army from inaccessible areas over the last few days, there are still 3,500 people including locals, pilgrims and tourists who await evacuation.
“CARE India is responding to flash floods in Uttarakhand. Our staff is in Dehradun and Rishikesh and reach out to the most affected families whose lives have been completely devastated. Especially women and children are affected as they are the most vulnerable. Through our efforts we will initially reach out to at least 1,000 families by providing them with blankets, tarpaulins, cooking utensils, survival and hygiene kits”, says Dr. Musa, CEO and Country Director at CARE India.
As the situation unfolds, with risk of more rains in the coming days, the road to rehabilitation is a long and challenging one.
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