Floods in Kashmir: Banking on help

Kashmir’s ongoing struggle to cope with the recent floods

When the banks of the River Jhelum were breached last week, a wave of floods wreaked havoc in Indian-administered Kashmir. Over 200 people have lost their lives while thousands of others are trapped in Srinagar, which lies inundated by flood waters.

Locals rescuing a woman in Srinagar. PHOTO: HAZIQ QADRI

The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, said that these were the worst floods to hit Kashmir in decades. “Many of you have tweeted for help today. We are trying our best,” he said responding to appeals on Twitter. He further reassured people that help was on its way from Delhi and would be sent to the worst affected areas of Srinagar shortly, including Rajbagh, Shivpura and other areas. Moreover, the state government has also asked the Air Force to begin rescue operations in Srinagar. “This is an unprecedented situation and we are doing the best we can under the circumstances,” he added.

A damaged truck in Srinagar.   PHOTO: HAZIQ QADRI

Omer said that his administration had launched rescue and relief operations on a war footing and was working closely with the army to reach people in the worst-hit areas.

Many houses were damaged after floods hit Jammu and Kashmir.  PHOTO: HAZIQ QADRI

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who visited the flood-hit areas by helicopter on Sunday, called the situation a national disaster and offered monetary support to help deal with the calamity.

Many bridges along the Srinagar-Pulwama highway were washed away by the high pressure of the water. PHOTO: HAZIQ QADRI

Locals living in tents on Srinagar-Jammu highway.   PHOTOS: HAZIQ QADRI

Haziq Qadri is a Kashmir-based photojournalist. He tweets @haziq_qadri 

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, September 21^st, 2014.