By Ashu Kumar
While the fury of the Tawi floods dominated headlines and leaders rushed to flood-hit areas with cameras in tow, there remain corners of Jammu where no relief team, no media crew, and no political figure had ventured. One such neglected pocket is Poonchi Mohalla in Ward No. 48, Gorkha Nagar, Bahu Fort, where families devastated by the floodwaters continue to wait for help.
When Northlines reporters reached this area, the journey itself reflected the magnitude of destruction—washed-away roads, broken pathways, and stretches of debris and silence. What was once a bustling neighborhood now lies in ruins. Residents recalled that dreadful night as “a night when the river swallowed everything.”
For the survivors, even the arrival of a journalist felt like a glimmer of hope. “It has been five days,” an elderly man said, his voice breaking. “Not a single leader, not a single relief worker, not a single media channel has reached us. Are we not citizens of this land too?”
Among the stories of loss, one woman’s ordeal stood out. Her husband has been paralyzed for a decade, and her son is the only earning member of the family. “The floods took everything—our furniture, our clothes, even utensils,” she said, fighting back tears. “Neighbors saved my husband that night, or I would have lost him too. Now, where do we go? How do we rebuild?” Her appeal was simple yet powerful: We are human too. Don’t forget us. Help us stand again.”
The Northlines team distributed essential supplies to the most vulnerable families, but what struck most was not just the material loss—it was the sense of abandonment. “When floods hit the city, leaders rushed with cameras. In our lanes, there is silence,” said a young man. “Maybe the roads are broken, or maybe no one cares. But we exist too. Our children are hungry too.”
The anger and frustration of these residents stem not only from losing their belongings but from feeling invisible in disaster response.
Amid these cries of neglect, BJP State Vice President Rajeev Charak reached out to Northlines with a clarification and assurance. Speaking over the phone, Charak said:
“We have visited Poonchi Mohalla three to four times and distributed relief materials and rations. Gorkha Sabha President Karuna Chhetri has also been in constant touch with the victims and ensured distribution of essential supplies.”
Charak further revealed that a list of 48 to 50 flood-affected families has already been prepared.
“Compensation from the Centre will surely come,” he said, “but our party has also decided to help these families from party funds. No family will be left alone.”
His assurance has brought a glimmer of hope to the families who had so far felt abandoned.
The story of Poonchi Mohalla is a stark reminder that disasters do not end when the waters recede—they continue in the silence of forgotten lanes. Relief must reach every victim, for, as one resident summed it up with haunting clarity:
“Water took away our homes, but neglect is taking away our hope.”
