Daijiworld Media Network

Srinagar, Sep 12: Just as the worst floods of the century receded, the land that had been weakened by the excess waters gave in, and land slides have trapped more people and damaged homes today. The Jhelum which flows from India from Kashmir to Pakistan overflowed to disastrous proportions due to incessant rain last week and resulted in flash floods throughout its course.

Pakistan reported a death toll of nearly 270 while India had about 200. Rescuers had rushed in to help on both sides and yet a lot of homes, and property, were damaged. New Delhi Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that 130000 people had been saved by the army and volunteering civilians but still every other family was missing a member or two and the search continues. The landslides that occurred claimed the lives of another 40 in a village further south of the main city.

Witnesses say the land slide was too sudden for anyone to get to safety or be rescued. Within a matter of minutes, proper houses were buried under sand and rubble. The army has rushed in 200 of its people to help anyone who might still be alive underground.

If the floods had been a surprise to the State Government, the landslides must have been a shock, for barely had they paused after rescuing thousands who had been stranded by the volatile waters.

In order to contain any diseases that might emanate from the receding dirty waters, Chlorine tablets in large quantities have been sent along with more public health specialists to treat those infected. The raileay too has been doing its share of relief work by carting in food supplies and nearly one lakh litres of clean drinking water. Prime Minister Modi was also informed that the state requires nearly 100-150 kilo litres of milk.

While many praised the timely help given by the Army, Navy, Airforce and NDRF, many in the majority region raised their voices in anger over the delays in rescue operations. Many had to be been taken to nearby rescue centres via boats. Almost all the major hospitals in the city were deluged and 6 infants died due to lack of proper care reaching them in time.