In 2013, devastating floods affected Uttarakhand, causing massive destruction including the loss of lives and property. In addition to building homes and sanitation units for people in need, Habitat India also reconstructed the Government Inter College in Bagasudhar block of Tehri, Uttarakhand, The newly built school provides a healthy atmosphere for children to learn and grow.

Ramka Devi, 70, stands on the remains of her home, which was destroyed by the devastating floods and landslides of June 2013, the worst natural disaster in India since the Tsunami of 2004. 9 districts of Uttarakhand were devastated, with immense loss of human life, extensive damage to shelter, infrastructure and livelihoods. The disaster left thousands of families deprived of all their belongings and sources of livelihood.

Immediately after the floods, Habitat for Humanity India conducted an assessment to identify the shelter needs of those affected and developed a three-pronged Shelter Intervention Plan known as ‘Pathways to Permanence’ to rebuild the lives of people affected by floods. Habitat’s Uttarakhand Disaster Response plan included provision of emergency shelter kits, repair of partially damaged houses, construction of transitional shelters, reconstruction (new houses), repairs (damaged homes), reconstruction of schools and construction of community centres. Ramka Devi moved into her new home built as part of Habitat for Humanity's response to the disaster with her daughter Asha.

“The floods were terrifying and washed away everything we had. We never thought we would have a house of our own again. It is no less than a miracle that we stand in our own house today.”

“I remember the cloudburst in my village and how the old school building wall collapsed during the floods. It is good to be back to school to meet all my friends. The new school building is big and airy. There is a computer room and library also. I want to study well and become an engineer so that I can also construct big bridges, buildings and schools like this when I grow up.”

In 2013, devastating floods affected Uttarakhand, causing massive destruction including the loss of lives and property. In addition to building homes and sanitation units for people in need, Habitat India also reconstructed the Government Inter College in Bagasudhar block of Tehri, Uttarakhand, The newly built school provides a healthy atmosphere for children to learn and grow.

Parash Panwar
Class 6, Government Inter College and School (Tehri, Uttarakhand)