An Analysis of Relief and Rescue Operations in the Kedarnath Valley Disaster (June 2013)

Abstract

The Kedarnath valley was badly devastated in the flood disaster that occurred in the Kedarnath region on 16-17 June 2013. During that time tourism was at its peak. A large number of tourists from the country and abroad had reached the Kedarnath valley with the desire to visit the famous Kedarnath. Due to the arrival of monsoon in the area on time, there was a huge devastation on 16 and 17 June due to heavy rains and floods and in this devastation, along with the tourists, the local people also became victims of the disaster. Many buildings, connecting roads were damaged or completely destroyed under this disaster. As a result, tourists and local people remained stranded at various places, there was a shortage of food, drinking water and accommodation and the health of most of the people also deteriorated. In view of the dire circumstances, government and non-government organizations and the corporate sector contributed enthusiastically in the relief and rescue operations. Through them, people stranded at various places were transported to their destinations by various land and air routes, accommodation, food and drinking water were arranged in relief camps, medical and essential commodities were made available.