Kashmiris turn frustration to anger over slow pace relief work

Flood-hit people in Indian- controlled Kashmir turned their frustration to anger over the slow pace of relief work, and some of them pelted stones at a truck of Indian army who were supposed to come to help them, said media reports Wednesday.

Terming the flood situation in the flood-ravaged Kashmir valley as "very serious", Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said he understood the anger of the people affected by the "unprecedented" catastrophe.

However, Omar dismissed criticism of his government in the handling of the flood crisis, saying joint efforts involving various agencies including his administration are being made to help people tide over the crisis, said Times of India online.

Over 215 people have been killed in floods, landslides and house collapses triggered by torrential rains. Meanwhile, at least 600,000 people are still trapped at the roof of their houses submerged by water.

However, the real number of death cannot be assessed now as most of the areas hit by flood are still not reached by army and relief workers.

The once scenery city of Srinagar was hit by a devastating flash flood from Saturday night to Sunday morning, with most of the city coming under water, making one of the most attractive tourist site of the world into a huge disaster zone.

A Xinhua photographer said he spent two days to get to a safe place from the flooded area of the city. All he managed to take with him is his camera. He has also lost touch with his family who lived about 100 km outside the city for about one week.

"I hope they are alive," said the photographer on condition of anonymity.

He said many people were waiting for water and food but the help came very late if at all.

"The media reports are not true. The army take some journalists to choppers to showcase rescue operation. But the real situation is not reported," he said.

Officials said the floods that has devastated the area was the worst in 109 years.

In at least one incident, Army vehicles loaded with supplies were pelted with stones as they tried to make their way through Srinagar, said local media reports.

The authorities have sent hundreds of troops and rescue workers to the flood-hit areas to lift or ferry people and air drop relief goods to the marooned.