Gurgaon couple recalls escape from flood-ravaged Kashmir

GURGAON: The elderly Gurgaon couple was on vacation in Pahalgam when the skies opened up. For six days, Ashok Mehta, 63, and his wife Beenu, 60, witnessed nature's fury that has ravaged Kashmir Valley. Two weeks into their ordeal, the Mehtas were finally reunited with their family on Thursday.
Residents of Suncity Heights, the Mehtas reached Kashmir on September 1.It was while they were in Pahalgam that incessant rains hit the Valley on September 3. "Floodwater was coursing from the nearby Lidder river as we remained stuck in our hotel. Water seeped into the hotel backyard as water levels kept rising. It was frightening to see how the beautiful valley had turned into a sea of rampaging waves," he said.
The Mehtas were lucky to be rescued six days into their travails. "On September 8, an air force chopper rescued people in Pahalgam. Our turn to board the chopper came after an interminable four hours," he said.
While applauding the efforts of Indian Air Force and Valley locals, he said, "The role of the air force is commendable. We were touched to see children of army personnel who live in camps near Avantipur, distributing relief supplies to us. Locals, a majority of whom are Muslim, were also very helpful."
He was however critical of authorities and media for focusing solely on the capital Srinagar. "Why are they concentrating on Srinagar? There are other areas without electricity, diesel or communication as well," said Mehta. The couple flew home on September 11. "All the while, we were trying to hire a private helicopter to get our parents out, but were unable to contact them," said Daman, Mehta's son.
Despite their harrowing experience, Mehta said, "If I go back to Kashmir again, it will be because of the kindness of the locals. Their hospitality was touching. Despite having lost everything in the natural disaster, they were helping out tourists. I don't expect such generosity even in my own city."