Over 500 people still missing in Leh flashfloods

LEH - While over 500 people were feared to be missing on Saturday due to yesterday’s flashfloods that devastated Leh, the death toll is expected to rise further, as there are many people still trapped in the region.

At least 130 persons have died and 370 individuals have been injured in the incident. Several far-flung villages in this high-altitude place are yet to be accessed by the rescue teams, said media reports on Saturday evening.

Jammu and Kashmir police have set up four rehabilitation centers for the affected people of Leh.

Besides, Leh 24-hours helplines (ph.09906990787, 09906990835) have been opened.

Meanwhile, six special planes of Indian Air Force, carrying medical supplies, have landed in Leh

“The Civil Aviation ministry will provide six more choppers,” according to Home Secretary Gopal Krishan Pillai.

However, 15 Army columns have been deployed and rescue operations are being carried out on war footing.

A central team comprising Union Minister Farooq Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Prithviraj Chauhan is presently visiting Leh to have an assessment of flashfloods’ affect and relief and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, additional forces have been rushed in for rescue operation in Leh.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, however, has said that the total number of missing persons are yet to be ascertained.

Earlier in the day, a transport aircraft of the IAF carrying relief material, including blankets, dry food material, medicine and other immediate requirements of the affected people landed in Leh, a Defence Spokesman said.

He said the armed forces have launched massive rescue and relief operations for the victims of the devastating cloudburst here.

“We have recovered 130 bodies so far and at least 370 are injured. The number of missing is yet to be ascertained,” State Police Chief Kuldeep Khoda said, adding the toll may go up.

Moreover, hundreds of vehicles are stranded in Kargil and tourists are complaining that administration has been slow in extending help.

Leh-Manali road may take a couple of days to be reopened, said media reports.(ANI)