Scattered flood victims yet to get in Neelum Valley

By: Jalaluddin Mughal

Neelum:  Post disaster death toll could rise as hundreds of marginalized people still waiting for rescue in hilly areas of Neelum Valley, the flood swayed district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.  Hundreds of the people are reportedly rapt in scattered valleys where they were dwelling in their seasonal habitats to spend the summer season with their cattle.

Shounther , Domail near Kail, Ratti Galli Near Dawarin, Baboon Near Nagdar and Jagran Valley are the major seasonal habitats where these isolated people are surviving  without rescue and food since 27th of July. A week later than catastrophic submerge it seems impossible to reach these people as the hilly tracks and foot bridges linking to these habitats have completely been swept by the torrential rains. Due to stumbling block of Neelum Valley Road rescue efforts have not been started in controlled way.

Though civil administration of Neelum Valley is engaged in rescue operations from the very first day of  disaster but leak of communication, blockage of roads and tracks, leak of trained rescue workers are major obstacle to relocate these people.

Authorities in District Neelum have proclaimed to have food storage for next two months but victims are facing hunger in many isolatedsub-valleys.Manzoor Lone is among those 156 people who have been displaced by flood from a Dawarian Village to a nearby forest after ooze thrust into their homes. While talking to KNW Manzoor alleged civil administration for not taking the notice of their displacement and still they have to survive in caves and under shady trees even without tents. Manzoor also disclosed the black-marketing of food items by food department in affected areas.Accepting mismanagement in rescue operation and dawdling efforts, Deputy Commissioner Neelum Mr. Shahid  Ayoob is hopeful to restore the Neelum Valley Road in next two days up to Athmuqam while up to Kail in a week onward. He told to KNW that 12 people have died while 10 others have been still reported as injured during recent disaster in District Neelum, whereas officials are collecting figures of destroyed public and private assets and agricultural lands.

Local organizations through their volunteers are trying to make pathway to make the scattered areas accessible to deliver food and medical aid. Valley enclosing population of 0.175 Million is out of bound through road and telecommunication even after passing one week to  catastrophic flood. Population of Neelum Valley is facing a sever break down of electricity after flood as public and private owned source of electricity including mini and mega heydral power houses have swayed by flooded stream and avalanches.

(The Writer is associated with PFP as Field Director District Neelum AJK)