District Pulwama of South Kashmir has emerged as the worst affected area from recent floods. It is generally considered most vulnerable among low lying areas. But the irony is that despite being the worst hit area, relief work is still not visible and the affected people, whose house have collapsed are living either with some distant relative or have to pass days under open sky. The District authorities say that requisition for 3000 tents had been made to the Government more than a week ago but so far not a single tent has been provided. People are losing trust in the Government which claims that all possible relief will be provided to the victims of flood. If after twenty days of flood water receding, relief has not come to the villagers in Pulwama district, this could be the condition with the flood victims in other parts of the Valley also. The losses in the district are by no means small or negligible. According to an official estimate, in Pulwama district 4,164 houses were completely damaged and 15,353 houses suffered partial damage. And out of the 350 villages, 145 were affected by the floods and 88 were submerged. We will not give more details especially about three or four villages that were completely submerged, but the fact is that the district has suffered extensive damages.
Authorities must move fast and move in right direction. There is widespread apprehension that if relief and sanitation are not provided, it might lead to the spread of epidemic and the losses in terms of human lives will be tremendous. That should not be allowed to happen and before something untoward happens with these unfortunate victims, they should be provided relief and shelter. Harsh winter is ahead and before the onset of winter, the homeless have to be provided shelter. It is the responsibility of the Government and there is no need to remind the authorities that time is running fast.
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