I was in a helpless situation for last 11 days - J&K all-rounder Parvez Rasool's harrowing experience during floods

FILE PHOTO: Parvez Rasool has narrated his harrowing experience during Jammu & Kashmir floods

The devastating effects of nature spare no one. Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Parvez Rasool, who had been stranded at his home in Bijbehera in Anantnag district for the past 10-11 days, revealed his harrowing experience to PTI in a phone conversation.

“For the last 11 days, I was literally cut off from the society as none of the telephones or cell-phones were working. There was no internet connections. It was a helpless situation for me and my family,” Rasool told PTI.

“We were staying on the first floor as the ground floor was filled with flood water. I would like to inform all my friends and relatives that we are safe," he said.

“I am able to take this call as I am getting mobile signal some 2 kms from my residence. I came to know that there were rumours that there is no trace of me and my family due to floods. That's wrong. Yes, situation was terrible but it's better in Anantnag right now. I am planning to go to Srinagar within next two days. I haven't been able to contact my Jammu and Kashmir Ranji teammates.”

The harrowing experience

Rasool then narrated PTI his horrific experience during the floods.

“The worst part was one of my favourite bats was left in my car along with a costly backpack. The car was totally under water and my mother was against me going downstairs. I still went there neck-deep in water and got those two stuff,” Rasool said.

The 25-year-old said watching an NGO’s work inspired him to join in helping others.

“In fact, a local NGO over here did tremendous work as they reached out to people with food, essential medicine and clothes. In fact, we also received help from the NGO as we were stuck inside our house.

“After watching them work for three to four days, I also joined the relief workers and did my bit in helping them. In fact after days, when the first bus from Anantnag left for Srinagar, there were senior citizens, who held our hands and thanked us. Can't tell you how I felt after that.”

Rasool, who made his debut for India in Bangladesh in June earlier this year in an ODI, revealed the ground situation.

“It's not only about me. I am only 25 but people, who are of my grandfather's age said that they have not seen anything like this in their lifetime.

“There were times, when we were taking water from the overhead tanks and boiling everything as there is a chance of spread of infection. Couldn't take chance with old parents at home.

"By grace of God, I have access to facilities which a lot of poor people don't have. I only hope that by next week, things change for the better as the people from the economically backward strata are the ones, who have been suffering a lot. You feel pained watching their plight.”

The all-rounder is worried about missing his training and hopes he can resume soon.

“It's never happened that I have missed training for two weeks. I have to get back to training,” he concluded.

Our prayers are with Rasool, his family and countless other people who’re suffering from the wrath of the floods in Jammu and Kashmir. Please donate to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund or any NGO of your choice to help.