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A Brief Report of the Rehabilitation work in Jammu and Kashmir
December 05, 2005
The Hindustani Covenant Church is working in the Kamalkote area which is at the height of 8000 sq ft above the sea level in the mountain. The temperature is below 2 - 3º C during winter. Majority of the Population in the area is Muslim and in average there are 6 –7 members in a family. They usually get water supply from the mountain spring which is fresh and refreshing. At present ration is provided by the Government. Their main occupation is agriculture. They produce Corn and Walnut which is the main production and main source of income, but during winter the production is closed which leaves people without work.
The earthquake victims have joined hands with our volunteers to build their temporary shelters. Now one of our team is working in Navaunda (last village in India – Pakistan border). The Army has requested us to work there as nobody is working in this village. This village is situated on the mountain and it is 9 km above from the road side and you have to climb the mountain to reach this village and at present it is snowing in that area. Now military has restricted this area and very few people are allowed to go to this village.
In Kamalkote area there are about 9 villages and besides HCC other organisations like Discipleship Center and CRS (Catholic Relief Service) are working but mostly they have distributed 20 sheets to each family.
The HCC is the only organisation which is constructing the temporary shelters for the earthquake survivors. Our shelters are very useful in this climate because they are insulated houses, which keeps warm during the winter and cool during the summer. We are constructing these houses which have 3 layers. The first layer is of plywood, Second layer is of foam and third layer is of tin sheets and hence these houses are warm enough for the winter season. Each house is 10 x 12 sq ft of length and breadth which is according to Government specification. Because of the Arch shape of the houses the snow does not accumulate on the house which is a protection for the people.
We have also distributed the Kangris (local heater) which helps them to keep their houses warm in this winter. For flooring we have put Whagu, which is a local carpet. It is also warm and used for sleeping and other purposes.
Because of the massive destruction people are sad and in sorrow as they have lost their belongings but they have the ray of hope that Emmanuel (God is with us) is with us and they are happy for such a provision made by HCC. They are able to feel the love of God in their shattered lives but they have hope now to reconstruct their lives. Our workers are able to tell them about the love of God who came to this earth to share the grief and sorrow of all. What could the meaning of Christmas for these people? Our workers are able to tell them that God has given his best for the world and they can also experience the same during this Christmas season; the joy, peace, forgiveness and healing.
The HCC workers and counsellors are helping the people through the trauma counselling which has really consoled the people to come in terms with the reality. The HCC counsellors are sitting and talking with them and giving them courage and new hope in the face of widespread destruction.
The HCC is getting very good cooperation from the earthquake affected people. These people are helping us to carry the materials from the bottom of the mountain to their respective places on the mountain tops. Our volunteers are constructing these houses with their help and cooperation. Our target is to construct all the temporary shelters before 31st December as after that it will be impossible to continue this work because of the heavy snowfall. Our target is to construct more than 300 shelters. We have already procured the materials to 200 families. More than 67 shelters have been completed so we are confident that we will be able to complete our target on time unless there are some major problems.
We need your earnest prayers as our volunteers are toiling day and night to help the earthquake affected people. These volunteers are bringing hope and courage to the people in midst of difficult and trying situations. Sometime they go without food and water to see that the affected people get all possible help in time. The word of God reminds us of this responsibility on Christian saying, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40, NRSV)
Rev. S. C. David and Rev. Shekhar Singh
Hindustani Covenant Church
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