I am posting below a message for the flood ravaged in J&K from General Ata Hasnain--one of the finest officers to have served Kashmir till his retirement a couple of years ago. He used to maintain active personal contact with numerous people while in J&K and respond to their needs with care, compassion and alacrity. That is why even though he has settled in Delhi retirement, people in Kashmir continue to approach him for help in times of crisis. My Jammu & Kashmir brethren, I feel distressed by the tragedy which has struck you. This is nature playing its hand and we can at best try and ameliorate the conditions that result from natures fury. None could have predicted such an onslaught by rain just like no one could predict the situation in 1996 when snow blizzards hit the Sri Amarnathji pilgrimage route or the Snow Tsunami of 2004/5. Such situations create panic less among those who are suffering but more among near and dear ones who are starved of information. Since morning today I have been inundated by calls for help to relatives or information of their safety. I could have lied to them all and said that I have conveyed the information but in such situations my sense of ethics refuses to allow me to lie. The Army itself is in distress with its helipad under water, transit camp and the major parking area for vehicles also inundated. However, knowing the Army it will not get paralysed by such things. From last reports they have already swung into action. I am in contact with BB Cantt through the Commander of the Gurez Brigade whose communications are intact. I am aware that the problem is most intense in Indira Nagar and Raj Bagh areas. I hope their friends have read my earlier advisory. Evacuation in the face of rising water is impossible and most dangerous. I am informed that it has stopped raining in the catchment areas; that means the water will only start receding after 12-18 hr. Till then they have to sit tight and be brave. Keep climbing higher in the house. The Army will make efforts to rescue a few when they can reach them; not all. Conserve energy, do not panic, half your ration if you have any; that is the first thing which will reach you once relief work starts. Do not drink water from the street or the flood even if you have to go thirsty. This wont last more than 36 hr as per my experience and 36 hr is not long for human spirit to survive. In the Uttarakhand tragedy last year people trekked without food or water for over 72 hour. People outside J&K, do not ask for priority in evacuation; it causes too much heart burn and you put pressure on our officers and men who then have to emphasise on specifics. I can assure you there are enough govt agencies out there. They need leadership and direction. I am sure the senior Army leadership will take charge and ensure that everyone comes out of this without blemish. Have faith in God and your nation. All will be
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 10:30:40 +0000
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