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Chamoli Earthquake, 1999
The Chamoli district of Uttar Pradesh
witnessed an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 on Richter Scale in the early
hours of 29 Mar 1999, causing extensive damage to property and loss of
several lives. The impact of the earthquake was comparatively more
severe in the districts of Chamoli and Rudraprayag.
After an emergency meeting in Delhi, the base camp was established at
Gopeshwar. Medical aid was provided as immediate relief in several
villages. The quake destroyed the shelters of the poor villagers.
After a week, Sewa Samiti decided to visit those areas, which were
still out of range of providing rescue aids. A village was spotted 3
hours away from the base camp. Arya Veers have to travel this distance
on foot. The scene of that village was awful. No outside aid could reach
there till date. The condition of villagers was pathetic. No single
house was remained undamaged. As the more relief material was reaching,
the rescue operation was getting the pace. AryaVeers built houses to
provide proper shelter to villagers.
Meanwhile, one more unfortunate incident occurred, when a leopard
captured a girl and took her away to jungle. Sh. Jagveer Arya ran after
the leopard. After a clash of more than 1 hour, leopard left the field
and the girl was saved.
AryaVeers did voluntary service for more than 20 days in Chamoli in the
leadership of Sh. Jagveer Arya.
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