Three years ago the people of Srinigar kashmir suffered a flood on a biblical scale, wiping out half the city, destroying villages and most accommodation on the famous lake where tourists come to stay. Hundreds were killed in the flood and rescue operation. One year on they experienced devastating earthquakes which destroyed already fragile buildings and killed more people.
The next year my family visited our relatives to help them rebuild their lives. My mother in law was mute with the shock and the people we met told horrific stories of their experiences ... but the world knew nothing.
We helped people rebuild and find hope again and tourists began to return, the people began to earn money and life looked positive.
The next summer terrorist activity resulted in the Government enforcing a curfew which lasted fromJune to October completely halting any hope of tourism and income to the already poor city. All shops and offices were shut and all work halted. Schools were closed and doctors surgeries only open for limited time.
Now the winter is here and there is still curfew in some areas, people have no money to buy winter clothes and the winters are harsh in this mountainous region. They have little money for food and children are not being educated still. Many families are sending their older children to Delhi to find work.
This is a desperate situation for these people. we need to raise at least £1000 to help our own family and their neighbours survive the next few months until work can start again and they can rebuild their lives. These are desperate times in a city little reported in the media.
Please help us to help them.