The economic toll of Uttarakhand’s deadly floods and avalanches

According to the report, the total economic impact in the state has been estimated at Rs 15,103.52 crore — including direct damage of Rs 3,792.38 crore, losses amounting to Rs 312.19 crore, and Rs 10,998.95 crore required for rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery.

The social sector recorded a total economic impact of Rs 4,966.85 crore, with housing, education and health being the most affected. The health sector alone accounted for Rs 2,579.47 crore, while the housing sector recorded an impact of Rs 2,005.48 crore. The infrastructure sector saw a total economic impact of Rs 6,225.69 crore. The water supply sector was the worst affected, with losses of Rs 4,048.88 crore. Additionally, roads were impacted to the tune of Rs 1,963.29 crore, and the power sector suffered a loss of Rs 213.52 crore. The productive sectors — agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, tourism and forestry — suffered a combined economic loss of Rs 893.94 crore. Among these, the tourism sector was the most affected, with losses amounting to Rs 744.94 crore.

The USDMA said that under Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), a requirement of Rs 3,017.04 crore has been identified for reconstruction and strengthening, aimed at reducing the impact of future disasters.

Disaster Management and Rehabilitation secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said the PDNA report prepared by the state government takes into account Uttarakhand’s geographical vulnerability, mountainous terrain and the impacts of climate change. “The objective of the report is not merely to assess losses, but to present a planned roadmap for rehabilitation and reconstruction to build a more resilient, safe and disaster-resilient Uttarakhand. Based on this report, the state will receive the required financial assistance from the central government, enabling swift restoration in affected areas, protection of livelihoods, and strengthening of infrastructure in line with the ‘Build Back Better’ principle,” he said.