Dehradun: The 2024 monsoon season has left Uttarakhand devastated, with over dozens of people dead and missing and a staggering 500 landslides reported.
The grim figures were released by Dehradun-based SDC Foundation in their latest Uttarakhand Disaster and Accident Analysis Initiative (UDAAI) reports for July, August, and September.
The reports mark two years of continuous disaster documentation by the foundation, and this year’s monsoon highlights the worsening situation in the state, from increasing landslides to repeated tragedies in Kedarnath, hundreds of road closures, and fresh challenges to tackle.
500 Landslides, Man-Made Disaster
A total of 500 landslide zones were identified this season alone. Most of these zones have been linked to rampant construction activities, as shared during the Himalaya Day event at Wadia Institute.
The landslides have not only destroyed infrastructure but have claimed numerous lives.
Kedarnath's Ongoing Crisis
Kedarnath, a key pilgrimage site, was hit hard by landslides throughout the season. On July 31, nine people were killed in various incidents, while 20 pilgrims and locals lost their lives on the Kedarnath route, with another 20 still missing.
The relentless landslides on the route between Sonprayag and Kedarnath have left a trail of destruction.
Road Closures Across the State
Hundreds of roads were shut down during the monsoon. Some, like the Badrinath route, were closed for as long as 83 hours in July. As of mid-September, over 324 roads remained blocked, isolating entire regions.
Old Wounds and Emerging Threats
Disaster-prone zones like Joshimath and Varunavat Mountain are still in peril, while new challenges emerge. Over 60% of government school buildings in Uttarakhand are now deemed unsafe
In Dehradun’s Doon Valley, 16.6% of the area is at high risk of landslides, putting both residents and tourists in danger.
Calls for Stronger Disaster Management
Anoop Nautiyal, founder of SDC Foundation, stressed the urgent need to strengthen Uttarakhand’s disaster management framework.
He hopes the UDAAI reports will push policymakers to take decisive action to mitigate future disasters.
