Enhancing Disaster preparedness for effective response: A case study of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Himalaya which is called "third pole of world "and" water tower of Asia " contain 13 % of world population and is a hub of vast biodiversity and is spread in eight countries of the world. The Himalayas are most disaster prone due to varying reasons and it is imperative to understand them for mitigation purpose. State’s disaster management department data shows that since 2000, at least 5,731 people have died and more than 2,000 have been injured as a result of natural disasters, usually caused by flash floods and landslides, in Uttarakhand. By being prepared, we can mitigate the impact that a disaster has on our lives and property. An efficient disaster management strategy should be prepared in Uttarakhand so that the state should have the ability to deal with unanticipated calamities. The youngest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas, is inherently prone to disasters. High erosion, earthquakes, and deep river cuts make it vulnerable to these natural disasters. Rainstorms and cloud bursts also batter these mountains often. Uttarakhand is home to many pilgrims’ places. As a result, lakhs of people from all over the world visit here each year. This also puts population pressure on the region. Ignoring nature’s warning can be disastrous we have seen that in case of Uttarakhand. The evaluation of the pilgrimage route's landslide risk must be conducted by geological teams with the necessary training and expertise. This paper will try to highlights some of the problems the state of Uttarakhand facing due to disaster and also the new innovative methods used in disaster mitigation activities by the state.