Kashmiris in UAE fear for family caught in floods back home

Irfa Khan, who recently returned to Dubai from Srinagar, rues that she cannot do much for the flood affected. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

DUBAI // Kashmiri expatriates are deeply concerned about family members caught up in deadly floods back home.

The worst flooding for five decades has killed more than 350 in the Kashmir region and Punjab province in Pakistan, and left tens of thousands homeless.

At least 350 villages have been submerged in Indian Kashmir and teams of divers are working round the clock to bring people to safety. People were huddled on rooftops on Monday as they tried to escape the flood waters.

Thousands of troops, police and other emergency personnel with helicopters and boats have fanned out across the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the state to deliver blankets, tents and other aid.

Amina Mian, a Kashmiri who lives in Dubai, said her home in Rajbagh was completely under water.

“My grandparents, who are really old, are stranded, along with my aunts and cousins,” she said.

“For the last two days, most of my family has been stranded on the top floors of their homes without access to fresh food, water or medical supplies.

Ms Mian has spoken to another aunt who is stuck in her attic with her husband, children and parents-in-law. “We managed to call her and she was crying inconsolably and asking for help. Another of my cousins is eight months pregnant and we haven’t heard from her.

“We have no means of communication since all phone lines are down, their phone batteries have died and the internet is down.”

The only source of information is news channels, and information posted on social media by friends outside the province, said Ms Mian, who is trying to organise aid efforts in this country to help those affected by the floods.

“The focus is on collecting aid and trying to rehabilitate people. We would appreciate all help that we can get at this point,” she said.

Ms Mian believes rescue teams are doing their best, but the Indian government has been too slow to react to the crisis.

Irfa Khan, from Srinagar city, has also been desperately trying to contact her family and friends there.

With phone lines and the internet down, she has heard nothing from them for days.

Ms Khan, who recently returned to Dubai from Srinagar, was shocked to see the images of the destruction on TV.

“I was there just a week ago and cannot imagine how things have changed in a few days. I feel so helpless that I cannot do anything from here,” she said.

“There is no food, no medical supplies and no proper rescue support in flood-affected areas. We must help them.”

Those wishing to donate aid can email Ms Mian at [e-mail] and Ms Khan at [e-mail]