Uttarkashi Floods: Villages washed away – How you can help

THE devastating floods in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, have left the nation in shock. Viral images of the village of Dharali, completely washed away by raging waters and sludge, have highlighted the terrifying power of nature. And the urgent need for action.

Homes, roads, and livelihoods were swept away in moments, leaving families stranded and desperate. While rescue operations are underway, the long road to recovery will require sustained support. Thankfully, the nearby Indian Army units were the first to respond to the affected villages and saved many lives. (Pictures courtesy: ADGPI)

But a lot more work needs to be done immediately and over the long term. NGOs like ActionAid are on the ground providing immediate relief, but the bigger question remains: Why do such disasters keep happening?

What caused the Uttarkashi floods?

1. Climate change intensifying extreme weather

Uttarakhand is no stranger to flash floods, but their frequency and severity are increasing. Rising global temperatures lead to erratic rainfall patterns, causing cloudbursts and sudden glacial melts. The Himalayan region is warming faster than the global average, making it a hotspot for such disasters.

2. deforestation & unplanned development

Decades of unchecked deforestation for roads, tourism, and infrastructure have stripped the mountains of their natural defense—trees. Roots that once held soil together are gone, leading to landslides and rapid water runoff. Illegal construction along riverbeds has further worsened the impact.

3. Poor disaster preparedness?

Despite repeated tragedies (like the 2013 Kedarnath floods), early warning systems and evacuation plans remain weak. Many villagers had little time to react before the waters surged in.

How NGOs like ActionAid are helping

Local and national organizations are working tirelessly to:

• Provide emergency shelter, food, and clean water to displaced families.
• Support long-term rehabilitation by rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods.
• Advocate for better policies on climate resilience and sustainable development
  
  

  What we can do?
  

  1. Donate: Even small contributions help NGOs deliver aid faster.  Donate now
  2. Spread Awareness: Share verified relief links and demand accountability
  3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Climate action starts with individual choice

The Uttarkashi floods are not just a tragedy—they’re a warning. If we don’t act now, more villages like Dharali will disappear. Support the survivors today and fight for a safer tomorrow. Visit the fundraiser and do your bit to bring relief to those affected in Uttarkashi floods

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Team Give

Give exists to alleviate poverty by enabling the world to give. Established in 2000, Give, together with its partners, is the largest and most trusted giving platform in India. Give enables individuals and organizations to raise and donate funds conveniently to any cause they care about, with offerings including crowdfunding, corporate giving, cause marketing, and philanthropy consulting. Give’s community of 2.6M+ donors supports 3,000+ verified nonprofits, serving 15M+ people across the country.