Tragedy that struck Saddal village of Pancheri block in Udhampur on September 7 has left a deep scar on the minds of the relatives of families whose members were buried alive under a landslide caused by heavy rains. There existed more than 60 families of about 500 souls in expanded village of Saddal of which no trace is to be found. As many as forty persons of seven families of the village were buried alive and so far only 22 bodies have been recovered under the debris despite strenuous efforts by rescuers who have pressed bulldozers into service.
It should be possible for the Government to engage more experts from various departments including the army and their dogs to conduct search for the dead bodies. It is really tragic that the relatives of the dead are not able to decide what to do about performing death rites of the persons who are missing. Modern techniques and sensorial methods need to be employed to locate the dead bodies before giving up the hope. At the same time, the Government should conduct survey of such hamlets as are located in vulnerable regions and ask them to vacate so that in case of any natural calamity happening, they do not become the victims.
It is also strongly recommended that relief should be provided on war footing to the affected people who have survived the trauma. They have to be rehabilitated before the harsh winter sets in. Rehabilitation Committee should be constituted under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner concerned to prepare the chart of losses suffered by the people of the locality. The Committee should also assess the immediate needs of the community which have to be supplied.
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