The devastation caused by the earthquake in S. Asia has been the worst natural disaster in the region’s recorded history. The apparent damage and losses in Kashmir seem to be lesser than in NWFP. But if one goes by the remark, “The dead are in peace; the living in hell”, Kashmir, in particular the survivors of Neelam Valley are at grave risk.

The earthquake damage above Kutan in the Upper Neelam is negligible. But that area will be cut off when the snow falls any time after the third week of December. A long stretch of the road from the entrance to the Lower Neelam slid away with the hillside into the river. There being no other way to reach the Upper Valley, the Army, international agencies and NGOs are desperately arranging ration air drops. In the process, the Lower Valley is getting a trickle, though many NGOs have reached the road head. Till such time that the Army succeeds to get some passage through that stretch, which it is hard pressed to establish, the only way to reach the villages on the slopes of Lower Neelam Valley is by mules or trekkers.

Tents, blankets and other essentials have been delivered by many agencies. Rations will need to be supplied on an ongoing basis during the winter months. A small group of persons alarmed by the situation has initiated efforts to provide relief to the stranded survivors. Appeals went out through emails and the response is encouraging. A person offered to 'Adopt-a-Village' for the winter. A few others also responded enthusiastically. To spread the word immediately and also to sustain these efforts through the rehabilitation & reconstruction period, it was felt that persons interested to participate in this effort may be invited to join a Yahoo Group, so that they may receive messages related to this initiative, post their comments ……

- Haamid N Jaffer
- Dr Altamash Kamal