Uttarakhand Floods 2013
In probably one of the worst natural disasters in India’s history, the entire Uttarakhand had been severely affected by continuous rainfall, landslides, and floods. Uttarakhand is home to the fragile mountainous region of the Himalayas, increased the severity of the landslides and floods. According to the Uttarakhand State sources, it estimated the loss of life was more than 10,000, while 70,000 people were stranded and homeless. In just 36 hours the destruction was unimaginable as everything that came in its way was wash away including ancient shrines, homes, apartment buildings, cars and communication towers.
According to the National Institute of Disaster Management, Kedarnath was impacted the most as the disaster took place during the peak tourist and pilgrimage season. More than 12,000 pilgrims and villagers were stranded in and around Badrinath which is regarded as a sacred shrine. Around 25,000 pilgrims are trapped in Damta, 70 km from Yamunotri. Thousands of people are stranded in Chamoli, Kinnaur and as far as Rudraprayag.
Sewa’s Contribution
We raised $70,000.
What did we fund?
For supporting affected people/pilgrims of Uttarakhand, a total of 15 centres were run at different places namely, Rishikesh, Chamba, Dhansali, Joshimath, Karnprayag, Chamoli, Srinagar, Netwar, Haridwar, Dehradun, Pokhari, Dhatyud, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi and Maneri.
For immediate relief
- Our funds supported the rescue services such as food distribution camps, medical camps, rescue assistance, transportation to reach safe places, helpline centres for relatives of the pilgrims and stranded individuals. There were approximately 5000 volunteers who served tirelessly in these different areas.
- Within the first few days, truckloads of relief materials were sent to flood-affected areas from Dehradun alone, that contained pulses, rice, sugar, tea, spices, clothes, blankets, milk powder, water bottles, medicines, biscuits, and packed food etc.
- The established camps would provide food and regular medical treatment for approximately 2000 to 10,000 depending on the camp size.
- Immediately after the disaster, countless Army jawans and volunteers worked shoulders to shoulders with each other to rescue the stranded people and to help the local people.
Uttarakhand Rehab Program
The rehabilitation program will require experts who are specialised in the construction of Himalayan/hilly region for designing and constructing houses. Huge funding will be required for the proposed rehabilitation program in which houses, community centres, schools, clinics etc. have to be reconstructed.
Doctors and health assistants will also be needed in quite a good number for reaching out to many flood-affected villages.
Sewa Path Computer Centres
After the relief works for Uttarakhand disaster, Sewa International did an intensive survey in the calamity affected villages and realized that there were a good number of educated youths and degree holders living in the villages; yet they were not able to make good use of their educational background and were unable to contribute towards the development of the society. The conclusion was that they lacked in computer education, self-confidence, and overall grooming. As a result, Sewa International decided to help them enhance their skills so that they serve their family and society in better ways.
With the funds, Sewa International established 3 Computer Training Centres which had a minimum of 5 computers installed in each. With a nominal fee of 50 rupees, the students were taught Basic, MS Office, internet, and typing. There is a plan to start professional courses like Photoshop, PageMaker, Corel Draw, Tally etc, to make the students eligible for jobs.
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