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概要

Epic Tragedy: Jammu & Kashmir Floods: A Clarion Call

Tabish SA and Syed Nabil

September 2014 unprecedented floods in Jammu & Kashmir tell the tale of human misery not witnessed by this state in over 100 years. The devastation caused by the flood is colossal. It claimed over three hundred human lives and destroyed everything that came its way-residential houses, schools, colleges, hospitals, paddy fields, orchards, government establishments and businesses et-cetera. It has rendered thousands of people homeless and jobless. The destruction around has left the entire society traumatized. The signs of history, art, culture, heritage, architecture and pristine natural beauty stand ruined. Hundreds of educational institutions suffered a colossal damage. Six large hospitals in the capital city were inundated in the floods. Fourteen neonates have died at the G B Pant Children Hospital after the water entered the building. This was a disaster of international ramifications - a classic case on urban flooding and need to be studied worldwide. Kashmir suffered losses in excess of one trillion INR. Across the State, 125,000 families have been affected, 5642 villages were affected across the State and 800 villages remained sub-merged for over two weeks. More than 350000 structures – mostly residential houses – have been damaged. State government has projected a 44000 crore INR for relief and rehabilitation. Government must create Taskforce for Rehabilitation and also a Reconstruction Authority to co-ordinate the rebuilding programme. Kashmir needs technological innovation that will enable people to produce more welfare without tampering with nature and history of living in this ‘Paradise on Earth’. There is a need for an Eco-sensitive Development in the Fragile Himalayan Environment. Health effects like PTSD in population are an emerging issue that will need attention of public health authorities. Community based research is required to measure the morbidity due to psychiatric diseases as a consequence of floods. Similarly the impact of disaster on the mental health of children and young adults should be a priority. Serious efforts are required to make disaster preparedness an important agenda of governance.