By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Sep: The year 2025 has proven to be catastrophic for Uttarakhand, with the state suffering losses exceeding Rs 5,000 crore due to natural disasters, particularly during the ongoing monsoon. This is being as the highest financial damage since the devastating Kedarnath Valley disaster of 2013.
The Disaster Management Department had sought damage reports from all departments and districts, and these inputs have now been compiled. Meanwhile, a team constituted by the Government of India to assess the damage is scheduled to arrive in Uttarakhand next week.
Uttarakhand, owing to its challenging geographical conditions, frequently faces disaster-like situations, particularly during the monsoon season when conditions become severe across various regions. Consequently, the state incurs substantial economic losses annually due to natural calamities. The year 2025 has witnessed the most significant financial loss since 2013. According to information received from the Disaster Management Department, economic losses exceeding Rs 5,000 crores have already been incurred in past few months. According to the officials, the report documenting these losses is nearly complete and will soon be prepared as a memorandum to be sent to the Government of India, seeking the necessary financial assistance from the Centre.
The month of August this year recorded the highest rainfall in the past decade. Typically, August sees average rainfall between 300 mm and 350 mm, but this year, the state received 574 mm of rainfall, significantly above the normal level. This excessive precipitation has caused extensive damage. The Meteorological Department has indicated that September is also likely to experience above-normal rainfall, which means that the risk of further losses persists. Consequently, travellers undertaking journeys in the mountainous regions are advised to exercise caution.
Speaking to the media persons in an informal chat, Secretary Disaster Management, Vinod Kumar Suman insisted that travel should be avoided during periods of rainfall due to the heightened risk of landslides. Additionally, waterlogging problems are anticipated in the plains, and that the District Magistrates concerned have been issued necessary directives. Suman confirmed that lists of damage have been received from all departments and compiled. During this disaster season, losses exceeding Rs 5,000 crores have been incurred. Furthermore, he also confirmed that, since 1 April 2025, 79 people have lost their lives and 115 have been injured. He also shared that discussions have been held with the central team arriving to assess the damages, and the team is expected to arrive in Uttarakhand next Monday or Tuesday. This team will also visit the disaster-affected areas to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the losses.
