A preliminary post-disaster assessment of the landslide-affected areas in Uttarakhand - an aftermath of June 2013 disaster

摘要

The state of Uttarakhand in the northern Himalayas recently experienced a devastating flood- cum-landsliding event triggered by intense rainfall of about 300-350 mm between 16 and 17 June 2013 in the higher reaches of Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Alaknanda and Bhilangana valleys. This increased amount of rainfall drained the catchments and facilitated high flood discharge in all the trunk rivers which inundated and washed away almost everything along their routes. At many places the high flood discharge eroded the river banks comprising T_0 and T_1 level terraces and the colluvial fans. This increased amount of rainfall and erosion by the mighty streams triggered innumerable landslides; debris flows, etc. on valley slopes. All these landslides, coupled with flash floods cumulatively damaged roads, settlements and agricultural land at several locations resulting into heavy loss of life and property.