Peerzada Sayeed
Karnah, Kupwara Oct 9 (KNS) : It has been twenty years since the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005, yet the tragic memories of that fateful morning continue to haunt the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was a peaceful morning during the holy month of Ramadan, a Saturday like any other. Life was moving normally when, at 9:20 a.m., the ground suddenly began to shake. Within seconds, calm turned into chaos as buildings, mosques, schools, and homes crumbled into rubble.
The earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, was one of the most powerful in the world’s history and left both sides of the divided state of Jammu and Kashmir devastated.
Among the worst-hit areas was Karnah, a remote and mountainous region in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The destruction there was unimaginable. Entire villages were reduced to dust as mud, stone, and wooden houses collapsed. The air was filled with cries for help, clouds of dust, and the screams of frightened children.
According to official figures, 311 people lost their lives in Karnah, while more than 1,800 others were injured. Nearly 90 percent of schools and residential structures were destroyed beyond repair.
In the days that followed, residents searched desperately through the debris for survivors and bodies of loved ones. Grief-stricken families spent nights under the open sky, enduring cold winds, rain, and the approaching winter.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Authorities provided ?5,000 per family as emergency relief to build temporary shelters. Using limited resources, families erected makeshift huts with wooden frames and tin roofs and lived in them for nearly two years.
The disaster also left a lasting impact on education. Most schools were completely destroyed, and academic activities remained suspended for almost two years. Children attended classes in open fields and temporary tents.
In the aftermath, the people of Karnah displayed extraordinary courage and unity. Local youth, volunteers, and residents launched rescue and relief operations even before official help could arrive. The Indian Army, local administration, and volunteer organizations worked tirelessly to transport the injured to hospitals and distribute food and medicines. Despite blocked roads and limited communication, the people stood together in solidarity, setting an inspiring example of resilience and humanity.
Even after two decades, the scars of that dark day remain fresh. For those who lost parents, children, or loved ones, October 8 is not merely a date—it is a painful reminder of loss and survival. Every year, survivors visit the graves of their dear ones, offering prayers (Fatiha) and remembering the day that forever changed the face of Karnah.(KNS)