A year has passed, yet the memories of that fateful day remain etched in my mind. It was September 2014 when Kashmir, often hailed as the paradise on earth, was struck by a devastating flood.
I had just qualified for the Medical entrance examination and arrived in Srinagar city for my undergraduate course. Little did I know that within a month of my arrival, I would witness the unfolding of an unimaginable tragedy.
I vividly recall that cold, sunny morning when I was staying at the Sunrise Hotel, nestled on the banks of the River Jehlem in Lal Mandi, Srinagar. As I sipped on a cup of tea, I heard commotion outside and stepped onto the balcony to investigate. What I witnessed was truly horrific – a police team rescuing patients from a nearby hospital, while young individuals attempted to stem the overflowing waters of the river.
Despite the clear weather, I brushed off the urgency of the situation and returned to my room to resume studying. However, my uncle's insistence soon compelled me to reconsider. He urged me to leave, citing the rising water levels of the Jehlem.
Reluctantly, I accompanied him to Lal Chowk, where we found ourselves in the midst of chaos. The waters were encroaching upon the main square, making it perilous to navigate. After a harrowing experience crossing the flooded streets, we decided to retreat to our hotel.
As we approached our lodging, a shocking sight greeted us – two jeeps submerged in muddy water, and our hotel's ground floor completely submerged. With no time to spare, we hastily retreated to higher ground, narrowly escaping disaster.
Seeking refuge at the police control room, we learned of the severity of the situation unfolding in Srinagar and beyond. Amidst weakening communication networks, fears for the safety of our loved ones intensified.
After a brief stay at the control room, we sought shelter at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Hazratbal. However, even there, the floodwaters pursued us, inundating the vicinity.
Eventually, we found temporary sanctuary at Kashmir University campus, where the resilience and selflessness of the students left a lasting impression. Despite the dire circumstances, they rallied together, providing aid and support to those in need.
After several days of uncertainty, we embarked on a journey to safety, eventually reaching Jammu after a series of harrowing experiences. Though our path was fraught with challenges, the kindness of strangers and the assistance of the Indian Air Force provided solace amidst the chaos.
As I reflect on those tumultuous days, I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of solidarity in times of crisis. Though the memories are painful, they serve as a testament to the strength and perseverance that emerged in the face of adversity.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. For more insights into Kashmir and updates on my journey, subscribe to my blog with your Gmail ID. Your support means the world to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment