Uttarakhand is a fragile Himalayan state and during the monsoon season prone to and slides and flash floods. The frequency of the natural disasters has been increasing in the past several years with 2013 being one of the worst in history.
Torrential rains started the second week of June and continued through all of July. Flash flooding and landslides caused serious and widespread destruction of lives and property in the state. Many of the roads were washed out isolating mountain villages. It is estimated that 160 villages were completely wiped out. Evacuation efforts were difficult as it is difficult to reach this area even on foot.
TRAS’ partner there, Voice of Children has undertaken to provide winter clothing for 340 children in the worst affected villages. As well, VOC will be conducting search and rescue training for local youth and holding public education sessions on disaster management. TRAS has agreed to support this effort and needs to raise $5,000 to support this effort. You can help by donating today to the VOC Disaster Preparedness Project. Please DONATE NOW online or contact the TRAS office at (604)224-5133 or info@tras.ca.
