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The devastating earthquake in 2005, which took the lives of over 1400 people in Kashmir, India and nearly 80,000 in Pakistan, destroyed the lives of many as whole villages became homeless.
Smile Foundation marched towards the northern tip of the country with resolute steps to help the victims of the quake, undeterred by its limited resources during that time.
After conducting a need assessment survey of the affected areas, it was realized that while many civic bodies and NGOs had extended help to the victims, a few villages remained cut-off from any relief because of their isolated and hazardous geographical locations. Also while some things like canned food and blankets were being provided by relief teams in over abundance, other essential things like oil for cooking and shelter were missing.
After conducting a need assessment survey of the affected areas, it was realized that while many civic bodies and NGOs had extended help to the victims, a few villages remained cut-off from any relief because of their isolated and hazardous geographical locations. Also while some things like canned food and blankets were being provided by relief teams in over abundance, other essential things like oil for cooking and shelter were missing.
With support from the Indian Army, Smile Foundation identified 24 of such inaccessible villages along the LoC (Line of Control), spread across Uri in Baramulla district, the worst affected region in Kashmir. Some of the villages like Dhulanja, the last village before LoC, cut off by the Jhelum could be reached only through a manual ropeway.
Working in close coordination with the 14 Rajputana Rifles and the 56 Rashtriya Rifles, items of immediate needs were distributed among these villagers including food items and utensils, while some materials which would help with long term sustenance were also provided like tents and oil canisters.
