Compassion bridges geographical divide in Margi
Margi-Warwan (Kishtwar), Sep 30: More than a month after a devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods in Margi village of Warwan tehsil, relief and rehabilitation efforts continue as both government, district administration Kishtwar and volunteer organizations step in to support hundreds of displaced families.
On August 26, torrential floodwaters ripped through village Margi, burying hundreds of homes and belongings under debris. Fields of maize, potatoes and beans or Rajmash, the main livelihood of this high-altitude beautiful valley were washed away within minutes, leaving residents destitute and dependent on external aid.
Government, Volunteers Join Hands
Immediately after the disaster, sub divisional, tehsil and district administration Kishtwar and several volunteer groups swung into action.
Among those leading relief efforts were Ababeel, Tariq Memorial Charitable Foundation, Chinar International Srinagar, Hilal Health Care Society Kishtwar and Markazi Jamia Masjid Committee Inshan Warwan, all of whom organized food, clothing, utensils and other essentials for survivors.
Haji Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mehru, president of the Jamia Masjid Committee Inshan, recalled the initial chaos, “Floods damaged the 14 kilometres long link road between Inshan and Margi at multiple points. Continuous rains made it impossible to reach affected families with food from Inshan. We had to rely on horses from Basmeena village to deliver rations, as rivers were in spate. Only after road clearance by R&B and PMGSY machinery on the third day could we finally bring rice and other essentials by vehicle.”
Relief Across Mountain Passes
Volunteers from Tariq Memorial Charitable Foundation crossed the treacherous Margan Top, over 13,000 feet high, to reach Margi with supplies.
“People here lost everything - homes, food grains, clothing. Children and women don’t even have proper clothes,” said Burhan Dar, a young volunteer and a social activist. “The destruction is massive and large- scale help from the government and civil society is urgently needed.”
Tahir Gani an official of Tariq Memorial Charitable foundation Kishtwar said that they initially planned to use internal funds, but once the scale of destruction became clear, they appealed for public donations.
“We brought rice, flour, oil, tea, spices, blankets and bedding for distribution among survivors,” he added.
Kashmir-based NGOs Step Forward
On Friday, Chinar International Srinagar delivered food kits, blankets and kitchenware to Margi families.
“Our organization has worked in Warwan for nearly eight years, mainly in education,” said Javed Ahmad of Chinar International.
“We already knew about the hardships here, but the floods brought unprecedented suffering. After an assessment, we quickly mobilized relief. We now plan to return with a free medical camp and medicines.”
An Appeal for Greater Support
While immediate relief has reached the valley, residents and volunteers alike stress the need for sustained assistance. With winter fast approaching in this remote, snow-bound region, shelter, clothing and medical aid remain critical.
“The scenes here are heartbreaking,” said Burhan Dar.
“Entire households including school books, bags, documents have been buried or washed away. This is not a one-time relief effort Margi of Warwan in Kishtwar district needs long-term rehabilitation,” he said.
