Following the success of our relief operations in Jammu and Bagga, the Miles2Smile team moved further into the remote terrains of Margi in Warwan, Kishtwar, to provide urgent medical and humanitarian aid.
Against All Odds – First Response Of Aid In Margi
Despite roads blocked by landslides and treacherous terrain, navigating rough, landslide-hit roads, the Miles2Smile team reached Govt. Primary School Lonepura, Margi by Asr (5:30 PM) on September 13th. And without wasting any time, we set up the first emergency medical camp there.
Working under dim light with only flashlights and limited resources, the team treated an astonishing 150 patients on the very first day, children, adults, and the elderly alike. Meanwhile, another team moved through the village, collecting critical data and speaking with locals to identify the most urgent needs, ensuring that every intervention was targeted, timely, and impactful.
The scale of destruction was immense, but so was the determination of the team to bring immediate relief and hope to the affected community.
Medical and Relief Camps: Serving the Most Vulnerable
The following day, our team made its way deeper into Insan Valley, where we set up a medical and relief camp at the home of Imtiaz, a kind local who, despite the lower floor of his house being completely buried under flood-borne mud, opened his doors and his heart to us.
Irrespective of the challenging conditions, the team managed to treat nearly 300 patients across all ages, addressing urgent medical needs that had gone unattended for weeks.
At the same time, ration, blankets, utensils, and essential supplies were distributed to 250 families, bringing immediate relief and comfort to those struggling to survive, all in collaboration with the local NGO, Ababeel Foundation.
Stories of Courage and Hope
During our visit, we met families whose struggles moved us deeply, a young boy in pain, widowed mothers with destroyed homes, and others fighting to survive. Their courage inspired our team to provide help personally, ensuring they received not just aid, but care, dignity, and hope.
A Child’s Pain, A Team’s Determination
During the relief work our team came across a 5-year-old boy with a fractured leg, whose father had been unable to afford treatment while trying to provide for the family. The boy was brought to the medical camp by his mother, and the team immediately arranged for his transfer to Anantnag for surgery, covering all medical expenses to ensure he received urgent care.
This intervention highlights the critical need for support in remote villages affected by the recent landslides, and the team continues to provide assistance to the most vulnerable families.
Support for Widowed Families
Two widowed families, whose homes were completely destroyed by the floods, faced the daunting challenge of survival without any financial safety net. Recognizing their urgent need, Miles2Smile provided six months of essential sustenance, including food, blankets, and other daily necessities.
This assistance not only addressed their immediate needs but also offered a sense of security and dignity, giving them the strength to face the coming months with hope rather than fear.
Rebuilding Homes and Futures
Imtiaz’s house, which had been partially buried under flood mud, received reconstruction support from the team, restoring a safe and stable living environment for the family. But the support did not stop at physical repairs, understanding the importance of education, Miles2Smile is also establishing a learning center within the home, providing children who were most affected by the disaster with access to education and a safe space to grow and learn. This initiative ensures that the family not only regains their home but also that the children’s futures are protected.
Moments of Resilience
Despite the devastation, families expressed profound gratitude.
Children played freely after receiving medicine, mothers received warm blankets, and the elderly were comforted knowing help had reached them. “We thought no one would come to help us here,” one villager said, tears in her eyes. “But you came, and now we feel hope again.”
Standing with Communities Beyond Crisis
While our teams have already reached hundreds of families with emergency medical care, rations, blankets, and reconstruction support, this is only the beginning. Miles2Smile is committed to staying by the side of these communities long after the floodwaters recede, ensuring that no family is left behind and every child has access to education, healthcare, and hope. From rebuilding homes to establishing learning centers and providing ongoing supplies, our mission is to restore dignity, resilience, and a future full of possibilities. These remote villages may have faced devastation, but with continued support, they can rise stronger than ever and Miles2Smile will be there every step of the way.
