Affect of Natural Disaster on Motivation and Mental Health of People of Garhwal Region

Communities in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand face recurrent natural hazards such as floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and glacier-related events, which extend their impact beyond physical damage to significant psychological and motivational consequences. This mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between repeated disaster exposure, mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression), and motivation among 30 adults from Chamoli, Tehri, and Uttarkashi districts. Quantitative surveys assessed disaster exposure, psychological well-being, and motivational orientation, while in-depth interviews explored participants lived experiences. Findings revealed that greater frequency and severity of disasters were associated with higher psychological distress and reduced intrinsic motivation, particularly affecting future planning and personal growth. However, strong family ties, community support, and a culturally rooted sense of responsibility helped many individuals remain engaged in daily life and recovery efforts. The study emphasizes the need for psychosocial interventions that integrate mental health support with strategies to strengthen motivation and community resilience in disaster-prone mountain regions.