Disaster Risk Reduction Lessons from February 7, 2021 Flash Flood in Uttarakhand Province of India

Abstract

204 people were killed, while two hydropower projects located in close proximity to Rini (13.2 MW) and Tapoban (520 MW) were severely damaged in Dhauliganga flood of February 7, 2021, in the Indian Himalaya. In addition, it caused massive loss of farm animals, agricultural land, property and infrastructure. This incidence occurred during the winter season when the discharge of glacier fed rivers is minimal, and the region did not experience rains around the time of the flood. Based on a detailed review of post-disaster search and rescue efforts, and bottlenecks faced by disaster managers, authors recommend (i) scientific documentation of past catastrophic events, (ii) detailed assessment of the risk posed by various hazards, (iii) legally binding disaster risk assessment, and a reduction mandate for major infrastructure projects, (iv) robust, reliable and redundant warning generation and dissemination infrastructure, (v) diversification of assets, and (vi) creating a dedicated cadre of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) professions.