Kashmir flood fury: Human lives saved, animals lost

The Gujjar had immense faith in the Almighty. For him to abandon these innocent creatures, goats, lamps and sheep, at this moment was the biggest sin. 

Rather facing the Almighty’s wrath he decided to drown now and die with a clear conscious. Perhaps the Almighty himself was taking his test in these difficult situation. Seeing his resolve, even God was moved. 

A rescue team from Tiger Division of Indin Army in Jammu was immediately launched to rescue the Gujjar as the water level had risen suddenly. The team was battling heavy rains, strongly winds and rising water to rescue the Gujjar. 

Time was running out as the mighty Tawi could any moment devour Barkat Illahi. Relying on their experience, expertise and training an improvised float made of tubes, carabineers and life jacket was immediately made and launched upstream so as to reach the Gujjar.

A daring member of the team unmindful of his own life swam across the swelling river to take the float to the needy. The Gujjar and his daughter were secured to the rope and a tube and life jacket were put around. The members of rescue team managed to get them to the back safely, but their efforts to save the animals did not succeed, for the fury of Tawi was too much.  
  
Though remorseful of his loss, the Gujjar thanked the Almighty for the “Angles in Uniform”. The team hardly had time to accept his thanks. Many more were praying to the Almighty and “Angles in Uniform” had many to save and strengthen the faith.

In the vicinity, as the Tawi River became more ferocious, two pregnant ladies Neerja and Preeth, both resident of Sohanjana village near Mandal, Jammu, needed evacuation. The medical conditions of these two ladies became critical due to heavy bleeding and their families were desperate to get medical attention, which was near impossible due to extensive floods. 

The local Army team immediately came into action and rushed to their houses in no time. They provided all available medical attention and boosted morale of all present individuals.

Meanwhile, another team activated a make – shift helipad near the Village, for further evacuation. This was indeed a herculean task as the entire area was inundated. The matter became more complicated when Preeth gave birth to a child in those conditions. 

But probably, the child brought in all the good luck  for them, as the weather opened up and the Army choppers hovered in from Jammu. The women and children were immediately evacuated to the Jammu Medical Hospital, where the pre-warned medical team managed to control the emergency. 

This was certainly an example of the gesture for which the Army is known for. The tears seen in the eyes of the families, spoke more than anything.