Natural calamity: Residents stranded for eight days as avalanche hits Puran

Food shortage arises as the only surface link cut off.

SHANGLA:

Since an avalanche triggered by heavy snowfall in Puran, Shangla district, left thousands of people stranded last week as the only surface link to the area was cut off, residents have been forced to give the government a two-day ultimatum to clear the road.

Since the road has been blocked for over seven days, people are facing an acute shortage of food items. Yet the local government has not taken a single step to address people’s problems, leaving them with no choice but to stage a protest.

“It is strange that the people have been trapped for a week but the government has taken no steps to remove the snow dump,” said Haji Abdul Maula, a village elder, while addressing the protest.

“The snow has caused several problems but the issue which needs immediate attention is food shortage,” he added.

In addition to that, the heavy snowfall, which has set a new record this year, is putting people’s lives at risk. The majority of the houses are made of mud, which can easily collapse in adverse weather conditions.

“We are tired of removing snow from our roof. It is already leaking and we are afraid it will collapse any time,” said Zahir Khan, a resident of Puran.

Besides food shortage, electricity and telephone lines have also been damaged. Protesters have warned they will besiege the DCO office if the administration fails to remove the snow.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2012.