As Kerala battles the worst floods in nearly a century, the people of Kashmir, who faced a similar tragedy in September 2014, are praying for the well-being of the people of the flood-ravaged state.
As the death toll and destruction continues to rise, the people of the Valley say nobody can feel the pain and agony of the people of Kerala better than Kashmiris.
From public circles to social media, Kashmir is flooded with prayers for Kerala. It was a deja vu moment as TV channels flashed pictures of the Kerala deluge.
“We pray for the people of Kerala. A similar tragedy struck us in 2014. We can feel the pain of those trapped due to floods,” Tariq Ahmad, whose house remained under 18-feet water for 10-days, told DH.
On social media, messages of solidarity and prayers were flashed by Kashmiris.
“Our prayers are with the people of Kerala, as reports indicate that current flood situation is very precarious and the weather continues to be hostile. May the almighty protect everyone, including us (sic),” Amir Ali, director of Disaster Management in Kashmir, wrote on Facebook.
Humarra Azim, who teaches at Kashmir University, in her solidarity message, wrote: “Kerala I stand by you, I can feel the pain!”
On September 7, 2014, when the benign Jhelum river turned violent, it changed everything for lakhs of people in Srinagar.
For almost 10 days, Kashmir remained cut off from the rest of the world as the National Highway and airport remained shut due to floods.
For almost two weeks, people remained trapped on the second floor of their houses across Srinagar.
The wrath that the Jhelum inflicted on the people of Srinagar was unprecedented.
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