When shooting stones and landslides Tuesday struck the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Panthal, travellers had no option other than to abandon their vehicles and run for safety.
However, there were around 100 elderly people who found it difficult to traverse the mountainous stretch. They could only find a safe escape inside an under-construction tunnel.
Amid incessant rains and cold, it were locals from adjacent areas including Banihal, Magarkoot, Ramban, Ramsu, who came with blankets and food for these people.
“They were angels,” said an elderly couple stuck in the tunnel.
Besides, residential houses, masjids and schools were opened by the people of the area for the other stranded passengers.
Community kitchens were also opened across the 18 kilometre route from Ramban to Banihal, where stranded passengers were provided free food.
At least 200 vehicles were stranded across the stretch from Ramban to Banihal, lodging and food of the people were taken care of by locals.
“We provided food to around 500-600 people. We did this for our brethren in testing times,” said a resident of Banihal.