2013 North India floods: Difference between revisions

|image name = NASA Satellite noooo

|total damages = 4,550 villages were affected <ref name=IOL>{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/5-748-feared-dead-after-india-floods-1.1546813#.UePfZdIVNlc |title=5,748 feared dead after India floods |publisher= IOL News |author= Kumar, Siddharthhhhhhh |date= 24 August 2007 |access-date=19 Septembr 2013}}</ref>

|total fatalities =6,054<ref name="rw">{{cite web |title=Human cost of disasters - An overview of the last 20 years 2000-2019 |url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Human%20Cost%20of%20Disasters%202000-2019%20Report%20-%20UN%20Office%20for%20Disaster%20Risk%20Reduction.pdf |author1=UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction |author2=Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters}}</ref>

In June 2013, a mid-day [[cloudburst]] centered on the North Indian state of [[Uttarakhand]] caused devastating floods and landslides, becoming the country's worst natural disaster since the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|2004 tsunami]]. The rainfall received that month was far greater than the rainfall the state usually received. [[Debris]] blocked the rivers, causing major overflow. The main day of the flood was '''16 June 2013.'''

Though some parts of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Haryana]], [[Delhi]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] in India experienced the heavy rainfall, some regions of Western [[Nepal]] and some parts of Western [[Tibet]] also experienced heavy rainfall. Over 89% of the casualties occurred in Uttarakhand.Many people were declared dead in the floods. {{As of|2013|07|16}}, according to figures provided by the [[Government of Uttarakhand]], more than 5,700 people were "presumed dead."<ref name="AP">{{cite news | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57593939/india-raises-flood-death-toll-reaches-5700-as-all-missing-persons-now-presumed-dead/ | title=India raises flood death toll to 5,700 as all missing persons now presumed dead | date=16 July 2013 | access-date=16 July 2013 | work=CBS News | archive-date=17 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717111417/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57593939/india-raises-flood-death-toll-reaches-5700-as-all-missing-persons-now-presumed-dead/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> This total included 934 local residents.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/15/india-says-5748-missing-in-floods-now-presumed-dead/ "India says 5,748 missing in floods now presumed dead"], ''Fox News'', 15 July 2013</ref> The death toll was later placed at 6,054.<ref name="rw"/>

Destruction of bridges and roads left about 300,000 pilgrims and tourists trapped in the valleys leading to three of the four [[Hindu]] [[Chota Char Dham]] pilgrimage sites.<ref name="sciencedirect.com">{{cite journal | last1 = Kala | first1 = C. P. | author-link = Chandra Prakash Kala | year = 2014 | title = Deluge, tire disaster and development in Uttarakhand Himalayan region of India: Challenges and lessons for disaster management | journal = International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction | volume = 8 | pages = 143–152 | doi=10.1016/j.ijdrr.2014.03.002}}</ref><ref name="ndtv.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttarakhand-army-commander-walks-with-500-people-out-of-badrinath-526670|title=Uttarakhand: Army Commander walks with 500 people out of Badrinath|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name="NDTV">{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/uttarakhand-himachal-pradesh-battered-by-rain-death-toll-rises-to-130-more-than-70-000-stranded-381352 | title=Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh battered by rain: death toll rises to 130, more than 70,000 stranded | date=19 June 2013 | access-date=19 June 2013 | newspaper=NDTV}}</ref><ref name="TOI">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-18/india/40048069_1_chardham-yatra-heavy-rains-gangotri | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621005735/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-18/india/40048069_1_chardham-yatra-heavy-rains-gangotri | url-status=dead | archive-date=21 June 2013 | title=Heavy rain lashes north India, 50 killed | date=18 June 2013 | newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | access-date=19 June 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Kedarnath HT"/><ref name="Hindu rescue 23">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rescue-operations-resume-after-brief-suspension-due-to-rain/article4843018.ece?homepage=true | title=Uttarakhand floods: Over 10,000 rescued amidst misery and devastation | date=23 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=C.K. | last=Chandramohan}}</ref><ref name="WSJ 23 rescue">{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323683504578562762365319582 | title=India Intensifies its Rescue Efforts | date=23 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013 | work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> The [[Indian Air Force]], the [[Indian Army]] and paramilitary troops evacuated more than 110,000 people from the flood-ravaged area.<ref name="ndtv.com"/>

== Origin ==

From 16 June 2013 a well-marked cyclonic circulation developed around a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, moving westwards, rapidly intensified due to moisture supplied from both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, combining with intense western disturbances from the north,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nidm.gov.in/pdf/pubs/ukd-p1.pdf |title=Uttarakhand Disaster 2013|publisher=National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |page=41 |date=2013 |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> thus causing the Indian state of [[Uttarakhand]] and adjoining areas to receive heavy rainfall, leading to 375% of the benchmark rainfall during a normal monsoon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.ibnlive.com/news/Uttarakhand-rescue-efforts-in-full-swing-toll-58-70000-stranded/399846-3.html |title=Uttarakhand: Rescue efforts in full swing; 102 dead, 72000 stranded-India News |publisher=IBNLive Mobile |date=18 June 2013 |access-date=22 June 2013}}</ref> This caused the melting of Chorabari Glacier at the height of 3800 meters and cresting of the [[Mandakini River]],<ref>[http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/Kedarnath-temple-uttarakhand-survives-glacier-floods Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand survives glacier, floods | Down To Earth]</ref> which led to heavy floods near Gobindghat, [[Kedarnath (Mountain)|Kedar Dome]], [[Rudraprayag district]], [[Uttarakhand]], Himachal Pradesh and Western Nepal, and acute rainfall in other nearby regions of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Tibet.<ref name=ibn1>{{cite news|title=Uttarakhand floods, landslides leave 40 dead; over 60,000 stranded|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttarakhand-floods-landslides-leave-40-dead-over-60000-stranded/399619-3-243.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621194515/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttarakhand-floods-landslides-leave-40-dead-over-60000-stranded/399619-3-243.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 June 2013|access-date=18 June 2013|newspaper=IBN Live|date=18 June 2013}}</ref>

The upper Himalayan territories of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and Uttarakhand are full of forests and snow-covered mountains and thus remain relatively inaccessible. They are home to several major and historic Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage sites besides several tourist spots and trekking trails. Heavy rainfall for four consecutive days as well as melting snow aggravated the floods.<ref name=damage/> Warnings by the [[India Meteorological Department]] predicting heavy rains were not given wide publicity beforehand, causing thousands of people to be caught unaware, resulting in huge loss of life and property.

[[Landslide]]s, due to the floods, damaged several houses and structures, killing those who were trapped.<ref name="sciencedirect.com"/><ref name=damage>{{cite news|title=58 dead, over 58,000 trapped as rains batter Uttarakhand, UP|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/58-dead-over-58-000-trapped-as-rains-batter-uttarakhand-up-113061800143_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard|access-date=18 June 2013|date=18 June 2013}}</ref> The heavy rains resulted in large flash floods and massive landslides.<ref name=ibn1/> Entire villages and settlements such as [[Gaurikund]] and the market town of Ram Bada, a transition point to Kedarnath, had been obliterated, while the market town of Sonprayag suffered heavy damage and loss of lives.<ref name="Kedarnath HT">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/UttarPradesh/Monsoon-fury-in-north-India-131-dead-70-000-stranded-Kedarnath-town-ruined/Article1-1078740.aspx |title=Monsoon fury in north India: 131 dead(the locals believe the true figure to be in the region of 5000), 70,000 stranded; Kedarnath town ruined |publisher=Hindustan Times |work=Dehra dun/Shimla |date=19 June 2013 |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620043012/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/UttarPradesh/Monsoon-fury-in-north-India-131-dead-70-000-stranded-Kedarnath-town-ruined/Article1-1078740.aspx |archive-date=20 June 2013 }}</ref><ref name=mandakini>{{cite news|title=Uttarakhand worst hit as rain, floods kill at least 60 in north India|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/uttarakhand-worst-hit-as-rain-floods-kill-at-least-60-in-north-india/2914-9.html|access-date=18 June 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=18 June 2013}}</ref> Pilgrimage centres in the region, including [[Gangotri]], [[Yamunotri]], [[Kedarnath]] and [[Badrinath]], the hallowed Hindu [[Chardham|Chardham (four sites)]] pilgrimage centers, are usually visited by thousands of devotees, especially after the month of July on wards. Over 70,000 people were stuck in various regions because of damaged or blocked roads.<ref name=damage/> People in other important locations like the [[Valley of flowers]], [[Roopkund]] and the [[Sikh]] pilgrimage centre [[Hemkund]] were stranded for more than three days.<ref name=damage/> [[National Highway 7 (India)|National Highway 7]] (Old [[National Highway 58 (India, old numbering)|National Highway 58]]), an important artery connecting the region was also washed away near [[Jyotirmath]] and in many other places.<ref name=mandakini/> Because summers have more number of tourists, the number of people impacted is substantial.<ref name="Recipe for disaster TOI">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-23/india/40146281_1_forest-land-land-revenue-land-use | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626085056/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-23/india/40146281_1_forest-land-land-revenue-land-use | url-status=dead | archive-date=26 June 2013 | title=Recipe for disaster in Uttarakhand: 1 crore population, 2.5 crore tourists | date=23 June 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | access-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref> For more than three days, stranded pilgrims and tourists were without rations or survived on little food.<ref name=food>{{cite news|title=AP pilgrims stranded in Uttarakhand|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/ap-pilgrims-stranded-in-uttarakhand/article4822701.ece?ref=relatedNews|access-date=18 June 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=17 June 2013|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The roads were seriously damaged at more than 450 places, resulting in huge traffic jams, and the floods caused many cars and other vehicles to be washed away.<ref name=damage/> On 18 June, more than 12,000 pilgrims were stranded at [[Badrinath]], the popular pilgrimage center located on the banks of the [[Alaknanda River]].<ref name=relief1>{{cite news|last=PTI|title=Relief work picks up momentum as north India reels under severe flood|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/relief-work-picks-up-momentum-as-north-india-reels-under-severe-flood/1130996/|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=19 June 2013}}</ref><ref name=pioneer1/><ref name=woes>{{cite news|title=Flood of woes|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/jun/200613-flood-of-woes.htm|access-date=20 June 2013|newspaper=Mid-Day|date=20 June 2013}}</ref> Rescuers at the Hindu pilgrimage town of [[Haridwar]] on the river [[Ganga]] recovered bodies of 40 victims washed down by the flooded rivers as of 21 June 2013.<ref name=float>{{cite news | title =Over 500 dead in Uttarakhand flood, toll may rise| newspaper =The Hindustan Times | date =21 June 2013 | url =http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Over-500-dead-in-Uttarakhand-disaster-toll-may-rise/Article1-1080073.aspx | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130928080952/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Over-500-dead-in-Uttarakhand-disaster-toll-may-rise/Article1-1080073.aspx | url-status =dead | archive-date =28 September 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Bodies of people washed away in Uttarakhand were found in distant places like [[Bijnor]], [[Allahabad]] and [[Bulandshahr]] in Uttar Pradesh.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tripathi|first=Aashish|title=Uttarakhand floods: 13 bodies recovered in UP rivers|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-22/india/40133694_1_three-bodies-two-bodies-decomposed-bodies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626094419/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-22/india/40133694_1_three-bodies-two-bodies-decomposed-bodies|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 June 2013|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 June 2013}}</ref> Searching for bodies who died during the extreme natural fury of June in Kedar valley continued for several months and even as late as September 2013, about 556 bodies were found out of which 166 bodies were found in highly decomposed state during fourth round of search operations.<ref name="68 bodies">{{cite news|title=Uttarakhand tragedy: 68 more bodies found in Kedar Valley|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/uttarakhand-tragedy-68-more-bodies-found-in-kedar-valley/article5103660.ece|access-date=7 September 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 September 2013|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

Although the [[Kedarnath Temple]] and the main Shiva Lingam inside was not damaged, its base was inundated with water, mud and boulders from the landslide, damaging its perimeter.<ref name=pioneer1>{{cite news|title=Flood Fury Toll Now 131|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/top-stories/flood-fury-toll-now-131.html|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=The Pioneer, Dehradun|date=19 June 2013}}</ref> Many hotels, rest houses and shops around the temple in Kedarnath township were destroyed, resulting in several casualties. Most of the destruction at Kedarnath was caused by a sudden rapid melting of ice and snow on the [[Kedarnath (Mountain)|Kedarnath Mountain]], {{convert|6|km|abbr=on}} from the temple, which flooded the [[Chorabari Lake]] (upstream) and then Kedarnath. The temple was flooded with water resulting in several deaths due to drowning and panic-driven stampede.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Uttarakhand/Kedarnath-temple-stays-intact-its-surroundings-have-gone-with-flow/Article1-1078410.aspx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620024522/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Uttarakhand/Kedarnath-temple-stays-intact-its-surroundings-have-gone-with-flow/Article1-1078410.aspx | url-status=dead | archive-date=20 June 2013 | title=Kedarnath temple stays intact, its surroundings have gone with flow | publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] | date=18 June 2013 | access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> Even after a week, dead bodies had not been removed from Kedarnath town, resulting in water contamination in the Kedarnath valley and villagers who depend on spring water suffered various types of health problems such as fever and diarrhea.<ref name="sciencedirect.com"/><ref name=fever>{{cite news|title=Uttarakhand floods: Epidemic looms as people complain of fever, diarrhoea|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Uttarakhand-floods-Epidemic-looms-as-people-complain-of-fever-diarrhoea/articleshow/20770540.cms|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=26 June 2013}}</ref> When the flood receded, satellite images showed one new stream at Kedarnath town. No damage at the Kedarnath Temple occurred. The Uttarakhand Government announced that due to the extensive damage to the infrastructure, the temple will be temporarily closed to regular pilgrims and tourists for a year or two, but the temple rituals will still be maintained by priests.<ref name=toi >{{cite news |title=Kedarnath temple closed for a year, PM announces Rs 1,000 crore relief for Uttarakhand |url=http://m.timesofindia.com/india/PM-announces-Rs-1000-crore-relief-fund-for-Uttarakhand-Kedarnath-temple-closed-for-one-year/articleshow/20667035.cms |work= The [[Times of India]] |date=19 June 2013 |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="IBN Live Kedarnath 2 years">{{cite news | url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kedarnath-yatra-may-take-23-years-to-start-sources/400040-3-243.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623012725/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kedarnath-yatra-may-take-23-years-to-start-sources/400040-3-243.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=23 June 2013 | title=Kedarnath yatra may take 2-3 years to start: Sources | date=19 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="Business Standard kedarnath 2 years">{{cite news | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/no-kedarnath-yatra-for-2-years-says-bahuguna-113062400086_1.html | title=No Kedarnath yatra for 2 years, says Bahuguna | date=24 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> The Temple opened for pilgrims on Sunday, 4 May 2014.

<ref>{{cite news | title = Kedarnath temple reopens for devotees| quote =Sacred portals of the Kedarnath temple were reopened to devotees amid elaborate rituals early morning on Sunday (May 4), about a year after the Himalayan shrine was marred by flash floods that had left hundreds of people dead and many others stranded | newspaper =The Indian Express | date =12 May 2014 | url =http://indianexpress.com/photos/picture-gallery-others/kedarnath-temple-reopens-for-devotees/#kedarnath-5 }}</ref>

[[New Delhi]], [[Gurugram]], [[Faridabad]] and surrounding areas received a high amount of rainfall on 16 June 2013, leading to flooding of the low-lying areas of the cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/delhi-airport-flooded-passengers-wade-through-knee-deep-water-380351 |title=Delhi airport flooded, passengers wade through knee deep water |publisher=NDTV |date=16 June 2013 |access-date=22 June 2013}}</ref> The [[Yamuna River]] swelled to a new height of 207.75 meters submerging the low lying flood plains along the banks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/yamuna-swells-crosses-danger-mark/article4829314.ece |title=Yamuna swells, crosses danger mark |work=The Hindu|date=19 June 2013 |access-date=22 June 2013 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Gurgaon/Drainage-system-collapses-heavy-rains-pour-misery/Article1-1078610.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619123346/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Gurgaon/Drainage-system-collapses-heavy-rains-pour-misery/Article1-1078610.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 2013 |title=Drainage system collapses, heavy rains pour misery |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=19 June 2013 |access-date=22 June 2013}}</ref>

Six-hundred and nine villages, covering a population of 700,000, in 23 districts of Uttar Pradesh were affected by the flood and drought. {{as of|2013|7|11}}, more than 120 deaths were reported from the state. The number of people who went to Uttarakhand were mostly from Uttar Pradesh <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1859643/report-uttar-pradesh-flood-situation-worsens | title=Uttar Pradesh flood situation worsens | publisher=DNA India | date=11 July 2013 | access-date=12 July 2013}}</ref>

About 6000 citizens of Nepal were visiting the Indian region, of which 1,000 were rescued as of 22 June 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=1%26sbquo%3B000+plus+rescued+from+India+arrive+home+&NewsID=381094 |title=1'000 plus rescued from India arrive home - Detail News : Nepal News Portal |publisher=The Himalayan Times |access-date=23 June 2013}}</ref> Flooding of the [[Dhauliganga River|Dhauliganga]] and the [[Sharda River|Mahakali]] rivers had caused extensive damage, with reports of 128 houses and 13 government offices swept away and over 1000 people homeless.<ref name="Nepal flooding 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Relief+distribution+to+Darchula+flood+victims+starts+&NewsID=380746 |title=Relief distribution to Darchula flood victims starts - Detail News : Nepal News Portal |publisher=The Himalayan Times |access-date=23 June 2013 |archive-date=22 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622225727/http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Relief+distribution+to+Darchula+flood+victims+starts+&NewsID=380746 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Nepal flooding 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Minister+says+joint+team+will+look+into+Mahakali+floods&NewsID=381009&a=3 |title=Minister says joint team will look into Mahakali floods - Detail News : Nepal News Portal |publisher=The Himalayan Times |access-date=23 June 2013 |archive-date=26 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926181850/http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Minister+says+joint+team+will+look+into+Mahakali+floods&NewsID=381009&a=3 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A bridge that joins the India-Nepal border was highly damaged.

[[National Disaster Response Force]] (NDRF), [[Public Works Department]] and local administrations worked together for quick rescue operations.<ref name="ibn1" /> Several thousand soldiers were deployed for the rescue missions.<ref name="IBN Rescue">{{cite web | url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttarakhand-rescue-efforts-in-full-swing-toll-58-70000-stranded/399846-3.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620201314/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttarakhand-rescue-efforts-in-full-swing-toll-58-70000-stranded/399846-3.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=20 June 2013 | title=Uttarakhand: Rescue efforts in full swing; 102 dead, 72000 stranded | publisher=IBN | date=18 June 2013 | access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> Activists of political and social organisations were also involved in the rescue and management of relief centres.<ref name="Zee rescue Party">{{cite web | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttarakhand/parties-asks-workers-to-assist-in-relief-work-in-uttarakhand_856246.html | title=Parties asks workers to assist in relief work in Uttarakhand | date=19 June 2013 | access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> The national highway and other important roads were closed to regular traffic.<ref name=damage/> Helicopters were used to rescue people, but due to the rough terrain, heavy fog and rainfall, manoeuvring them was a challenge.<ref name=record>{{cite news|last=Upadhyay|first=Kavitha|title=57,000 pilgrims stranded in Uttarakhand|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/57000-pilgrims-stranded-in-uttarakhand/article4824087.ece|access-date=18 June 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 June 2013|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> By 21 June 2013, the Army had deployed 10,000 soldiers and 11 helicopters,<ref name="toi"/><ref name=thin20j>{{cite news|title=Dhruv helicopters fly high in Uttarakhand|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dhruv-helicopters-fly-high-in-uttarakhand/article4833766.ece|access-date=22 June 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=20 June 2013|location=Chennai, India|first=Vinay|last=Kumar}}</ref> the Navy had sent 45 naval divers, and the Air force had deployed 43 aircraft including 36 helicopters.<ref name=tect21j>{{cite news|title=IAF deploys 13 more aircraft for Uttarakhand rescue ops|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/iaf-deploys-13-more-aircraft-for-uttarakhand-rescue-ops/articleshow/20703902.cms|access-date=22 June 2013|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=21 June 2013}}</ref> From 17 to 30 June 2013, the IAF airlifted a total of 18,424 people - flying a total of 2,137 sorties and dropping/landing a total of 3,36,930&nbsp;kg of relief material and equipments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=96912 |title=IAF 'OP Rahat' Update Upto 6 O' Clock |publisher=Government of India |date=30 June 2013 |access-date= 19 September 2013 }}</ref>

On 25 June, one of 3 IAF [[Mil Mi-17]] rescue helicopters returning from Kedarnath, carrying 5 Air Force Officers, 9 of the NDRF, and 6 of the ITBP crashed on a mountainous slope near [[Gauri Kund]], killing all on board.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/will-make-sure-job-is-done-air-chief-nak-browne-to-ndtv-384408| title=Will make sure job is done: Air Chief NAK Browne to NDTV | date=26 June 2013 | access-date=26 June 2013}}</ref><ref name=twenty>{{cite news|title=Uttarakhand floods: Bodies of chopper crash victims recovered|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/jun/260613-uttarakhand-floods-bodies-of-chopper-crash-victims-recovered.htm|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=Mid-day|date=26 June 2013}}</ref> The deceased soldiers were given a ceremonial [[Guard of honour]] by Home minister of India, at a function organised by the Uttarakhand State Government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bravehearts-who-died-in-uttarakhand-chopper-crash-given-guard-of-honour-526747|title=Bravehearts who died in Uttarakhand chopper crash given Guard of Honour|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

Indo Tibetan border Police (ITBP) a Force which guards the Indo China borders on the high himalayas with its 3 Regional Response Centres (RRCs) based at Matli (Uttarkashi), Gauchar (Chamoli) and Pithoragarh swung into action and started rescue and relief operation. 2000 strong ITBP force with its mountaineering skills and improvisation methods started rescue of stranded pilgrims. It was a simultaneous effort by ITBP at Kedar ghati, Gangotri valley and Govind ghat areas. According to official figures by ITBP, they were able to rescue 33,009 pilgrims in 15 days on their own from extremely remote and inaccessible areas. Before Army or Air Force called in, being deployed in the nearby areas, ITBP took the first call and saved many lives. They also distributed food packets to stranded pilgrims who were in a pathetic condition being not having any food for more than 72 hours at many places.

The [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Manmohan Singh]] undertook an aerial survey of the affected areas and announced {{INRConvert|10|b}} aid package for disaster relief efforts in the state.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news | title =Rs 1000 cr relief for flood hit Uttarakhand announced| newspaper =Hindustan Times | date =19 June 2013 | url =http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Rs-1000-cr-relief-for-flood-hit-Uttarakhand-announced/Article1-1079085.aspx | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130620041706/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Rs-1000-cr-relief-for-flood-hit-Uttarakhand-announced/Article1-1079085.aspx | url-status =dead | archive-date =20 June 2013 |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> Several state governments announced financial assistance, with [[Uttar Pradesh]] pledging {{INRConvert|250|m}},<ref>{{cite web | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-govt-announces-financial-help-to-uttarakhand_856082.html | title=UP govt announces financial help to Uttarakhand | publisher=[[Zee News]] |location=Lucknow | date=19 June 2013 | access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> the governments of [[Haryana government|Haryana]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/haryana-announces-rs-10-crore-help-for-uttarakhand-381652 | title=Haryana announces Rs. 10-crore help for Uttarakhand | publisher=[[NDTV]] |location=Chandigarh | date=19 June 2013 | access-date=20 June 2013}}</ref> [[Maharashtra government|Maharashtra]]<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/chavan-announces-rs-10crore-aid/article4831248.ece | title=Chavan announces Rs. 10-crore aid | work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Mumbai | date=20 June 2013 | access-date=20 June 2013}}</ref> and [[Government of Delhi|Delhi]] {{INRConvert|100|m}} each, the governments of [[Government of Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttarakhand-floods-tamil-nadu-donates-rs-5-crore/401125-62-128.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627071353/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttarakhand-floods-tamil-nadu-donates-rs-5-crore/401125-62-128.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=27 June 2013 | title=TamilNadu donates Rs.5 Crore | publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |location=TamilNadu | date=23 June 2013 | access-date=23 June 2013}}</ref> [[Government of Odisha|Odisha]],<ref>{{cite news |url= http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-06-20/news/40093968_1_uttarakhand-state-relief-fund-dehradun |title=Odisha announces Rs 5 crore for Uttarakhand, 100 Odias trapped - Economic Times |work=indiatimes.com |quote=Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a contribution of Rs 50&nbsp;million for relief work in the flood hit mountain state. |access-date=27 June 2013 |date=20 June 2013}}</ref> [[Government of Gujarat|Gujarat]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Modi-sends-Rs-3-cr-more-renews-offer-to-help-in-Uttarakhand/Article1-1083065.aspx |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130627043225/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Modi-sends-Rs-3-cr-more-renews-offer-to-help-in-Uttarakhand/Article1-1083065.aspx |url-status= dead |archive-date= 27 June 2013 |title=Modi sends Rs 3 cr more, renews offer to help in Uttarakhand - Hindustan Times |first= Shekhar |last=Iyer|work=hindustantimes.com |year=2013 |quote=Modi has again sent an offer and a cheque for Rs. 30&nbsp;million, besides the Rs. 20&nbsp;million his state already donated |access-date=27 June 2013}}</ref> [[Government of Madhya Pradesh|Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Government of Chhattisgarh|Chhattisgarh]] {{INRConvert|50|m}} each.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/kerala-floods-bjp-leaders-launch-social-media-campaign-against-the-state/articleshow/65540867.cms|title=Kerala Floods: BJP leaders launch social media campaign against the state|work=Mumbai Mirror|access-date=2018-08-26}}</ref> The US Ambassador to India extended a financial help of US$150,000 through the [[United States Agency for International Development]] (USAID) to the NGOs working in the area <ref name=":0">{{cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/us-announces-additional-usd-75000-aid-for-flood-victims/articleshow/20897368.cms | title=US Ambassador announces relief to flood victims in Uttarakhand | publisher=[[The Economic Times]] | date=23 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> and announced that the US will provide further financial aid of US$75,000. The help was later politely rejected by Government of India.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Government of Kerala]] offered 20 million rupees and all ministers offered one month's salary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/kerala-to-give-2-cr-aid-to-uttarakhand-flood-relief-fund/articleshow/20793322.cms|title=Kerala to give 2-cr aid to Uttarakhand flood relief fund &#124; Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

The Government of India also cancelled 9 batches, or half the annual batches of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government cancels Kailash Manasarovar Yatra due to Uttarakhand disaster : North, News |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kailash-manasarovar-yatra-uttarakhand-disaster-kedarnath-flash-floods/1/284234.html|publisher= [[India Today]] |date=19 June 2013 |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> The Chardham Yatra pilgrimage, covering Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath was cancelled for 2 years to repair damaged roads and infrastructure, according to the Uttarakhand Government.<ref name=cancel>{{cite news|title=150 dead in Uttarakhand flood, toll may rise|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/150-dead-in-Uttarakhand-flood-toll-may-rise/Article1-1079086.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620094930/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/150-dead-in-Uttarakhand-flood-toll-may-rise/Article1-1079086.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 June 2013|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=The Hindustan Times|date=19 June 2013}}</ref>

Government agencies and priests of Kedarnath temple were planning mass cremation of the hundreds of victims, after one week of tragedy.<ref name="masscremation1">{{cite news |title=India plans mass cremation for flood victims |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/06/201362465625349861.html |date=24 June 2013 |agency=Al Jazeera|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="masscremation2">{{cite news|title=India to begin mass cremation of flood victims |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/06/24/india-to-begin-mass-cremation-flood-victims/|date=24 June 2013|agency=Fox News|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> Local youths from several affected villages near Gangotri helped stranded tourists and pilgrims, by sending messages to their places and by providing food.<ref name=youth>{{cite news|title=Uttarakhand floods: When all else failed, youth took charge|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Uttarakhand-floods-When-all-else-failed-youth-took-charge/Article1-1082430.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626021410/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Uttarakhand-floods-When-all-else-failed-youth-took-charge/Article1-1082430.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 June 2013|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=26 June 2013}}</ref> Rescuers also retrieved approximately {{INRConvert|10|m}} and other jewellery from local persons, including some people dressed like sadhu babas, who reportedly collected it from a destroyed building of a Bank and damaged shops.<ref name="Indian Express Godmen">{{cite web | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/religious-men-held-with-rs-1-cr-in-stolen-money/1133005/ | title='Religious men' held with Rs 1 cr in stolen money | date=24 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="Bhaskar Godmen">{{cite news | url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/CHD-uttarakhand-floods-babas-priests-and-godmen-looted-over-rs-1-crore-from-devastat-4300943-NOR.html | title=Babas, priests and godmen looted over R 1 crore from devastated people, bank; rescuers recover cash, jewellery | date=24 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="HT steal">{{cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Uttarakhand-horror-stranded-pilgrims-raped-murdered/Article1-1080734.aspx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624004601/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndiaRainFury2013/Uttarakhand-horror-stranded-pilgrims-raped-murdered/Article1-1080734.aspx | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 June 2013 | title=Uttarakhand horror: stranded pilgrims raped, murdered | date=22 June 2013 | access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref>

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) was given the responsibility of Rebuilding Kedarnath. Although the institute did not have the expertise in urban planning or construction, they mastered high-altitude training. Under the leadership of Colonel [[Ajay Kothiyal]], the NIM was successful in rebuilding Kedarnath.

A study by Utah State University<ref name=ClimateDynamics>{{cite journal|last1=Cho|first1=Changrae|last2=Li|first2=Rong|last3=S.-Y.|first3=Wang|last4=Jin-Ho|first4=Yoon|last5=Robert R.|first5=Gillies|title=Anthropogenic footprint of climate change in the June 2013 northern India flood|journal=Climate Dynamics|volume=46|issue=3–4|date=29 April 2015|pages=797|doi=10.1007/s00382-015-2613-2|bibcode=2016ClDy...46..797C|s2cid=129575971|url=https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/psc_facpub/735}}</ref> analyzed the natural and anthropogenic influences on the climate anomalies using simulations, and found that (a) northern India has experienced increasingly large rainfall in June since the late 1980s, (b) the increase in rainfall appears to be associated with a tendency in the upper troposphere towards amplified short waves, and (c) the phasing of such amplified short waves is tied to increased loading of green-house gases and aerosols. In addition, a regional modeling diagnosis attributed 60–90 % of rainfall amounts in the June 2013 event to post-1980 climate trends.

Unprecedented destruction the rainfall witnessed in Uttarakhand state was also attributed, by environmentalists, to unscientific developmental activities undertaken in recent decades contributing to high level of loss of property and lives. Roads constructed in haphazard style, new resorts and hotels built on fragile river and more than 70 hydroelectric projects in the [[Drainage basin|watersheds]] of the state led to a "disaster waiting to happen" as termed by certain environmentalists.<ref name=environ>{{cite news|last=Shadbolt|first=Peter|title=Indian floods a man-made disaster, say environmentalists|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/25/world/asia/india-floods-development/index.html|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=CNN|date=25 June 2013}}</ref> The environmental experts reported that the tunnels built and blasts undertaken for the 70 hydro electric projects contributed to the ecological imbalance in the state, with flows of river water restricted and the streamside development activity contributing to a higher number of landslides and more flooding.<ref name="sciencedirect.com"/><ref name=environ/>

A novel titled ''A Long Journey'' was written and published by independent author Pawan Kumar Pandey, who has the floods and the resulting tragedy in his background.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20838668-a-long-journey | title=A Long Journey}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00II5AQXA|title=A Long Journey|first=Pawan Kumar|last=Pandey|via=Amazon}}</ref>

The 2018 film ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' starring [[Sushant Singh Rajput]] and [[Sara Ali Khan]] tells of a love story set in the times of the disaster in the valley around the Kedarnath Temple.<ref>{{cite news|title=KEDARNATH MOVIE REVIEW |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/kedarnath/movie-review/66971514.cms|website=Times of India | date=7 December 2018}}</ref>