Hakeem Yaseen expresses deep concern over widespread damage caused by strong winds in Kashmir

• Snow clearance on major roads in Khag, Khansahib and other areas still incomplete
• Relief, Compensation and Clearance Needed Urgently in Budgam

SRINAGAR: Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, has expressed profound anguish over the extensive destruction caused by strong winds across several parts of Kashmir, with Budgam district emerging as one of the worst affected regions.

Hakeem Yaseen voiced serious concern over the hardships faced by residents whose homes, shops, and properties have suffered significant damage due to the severe weather conditions. He said that areas such as Khansahib, Beerwah, and Chadoora have witnessed widespread devastation, leaving many families in distress and uncertainty.

“The strong winds have wreaked havoc in several localities, causing heavy losses to households and livelihoods. Many families have been rendered vulnerable after their houses and essential infrastructure were damaged,” he said. “I urge the administration to conduct an immediate assessment of the losses and ensure adequate compensation to the affected families.”

Stressing the need for urgent relief measures, Hakeem Yaseen said that the victims should not be left to fend for themselves and called for a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package to address their hardships. “The authorities must act swiftly to provide prompt assistance to those who have lost their roofs and properties. Immediate arrangements should be made to ensure shelter, food, and other basic necessities for the worst-hit families,” he added.

Highlighting the impact on public infrastructure, he expressed concern over the disruption of essential services. “Damage to electricity lines and public utilities has plunged many areas into darkness and inconvenience. The administration must expedite restoration work to bring normal life back at the earliest,” he said. He also raised serious concern over the slow pace of snow clearance and road restoration in Budgam district.

“Snow clearance on major roads in Budgam, including key routes in Khag, Khansahib and other important connecting roads, is yet to be fully restored. People are facing immense difficulties due to blocked and damaged roads, which has severely affected daily life, emergency services and mobility,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness, Hakeem Yaseen said that such incidents underline the need for a robust and responsive disaster management system. “The government must strengthen its emergency response mechanisms and ensure that disaster management teams are fully equipped to deal with such situations in the future,” he stated.

He also appealed to civil society organizations and local volunteers to come forward in support of the affected communities. “In times of crisis, collective efforts are crucial. We must stand united and extend every possible help to those in need,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to the people, Hakeem Yaseen assured that he would continue to press the authorities for urgent and effective action to mitigate the suffering of the affected families and ensure timely relief and restoration of normalcy.