KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
The extreme northern part of Kupwara district has witnessed extensive loss of property due to frequent landslides in upper reaches of Handwara town.
As many as 10 villages have been affected while a number of villages are still marooned and a large number of houses and livestock have been completely destroyed.
Roads and bridges are damaged, cutting off many areas like Hamla Pati, Branil, Khanpora, Rahanzabi, Jaba, Nagni and Ahgam rendering them inaccessible.
As the situation continues to remain tense due to the incessant torrential rains, landslides and floods, the Indian Red Cross First Medical Responders (FMRs) for Handwara, Athwaas (NGO), Mentor Youth Club Rajpora in the area are aiding rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations in the affected area.
The Red Cross unit Handwara informed that the relief materials were distributed to the landslide victims of Nagni, Ahgam, Branil which were the worst hit villages in the area.
The Red Cross regional branch Srinagar unit Handwara today provided blankets to the victims and installed tents in different areas of the slide hit upper Rajwar. “We are thankful to the red cross volunteers for providing us with relief,” says Noor Jahan, a local resident who has been running pillar to post trying to organize some relief for the community.
When asked if they would wait for government aid, Jalal Din Khatana said “We are not going to wait for anyone now. If we get something its good but otherwise we are all getting back to work in the next two or three days and get on with our lives and earn our living.”
At least 13 houses were destroyed rendering hundreds homeless due to multiple landslides in this extreme northern part of valley.
The displaced people have been residing in temporary shelters.
Meanwhile, ATHWAAS which has been providing essential commodities to victims and organizing medical camps in the area has provided warm clothes to the victims. (KNS)
