85 dead, over 300 injured in Leh flash floods

Srinagar: At least 85 people were killed and over 300 injured in flash floods triggered by a massive cloudburst that hit Leh town of Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region, washing away several government buildings and houses, police said Friday.

People being rescued from a damaged house after a flash flood triggered by a series of cloudbursts at Nimoo Bazgoo in Leh on Friday. PTI Photo

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday condoled the deaths caused by the cloudburst in Leh town of Jammu and Kashmir and announced a compensation of Rs.1 lakh each for the families of those dead.
"The prime minister has sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs.1 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of the person deceased and Rs.50,000 to those seriously injured," said the press release issued by the Prime Minster's Office.
At least 59 people are believed to have died and over 300 injured in the cloudburst that took place after midnight Thursday.

A scene at Nimoo Bazgoo village after a flash flood triggered by a series of cloudbursts in Leh on Friday. PTI Photo

In his condolence message, Singh said he was "deeply shocked to learn of the loss of lives and devastation in the flash floods caused by the cloudburst in the Choglumsar area near Leh in Ladakh."
He offered his condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
He added that the centre would give all "possible help to the state government and the affected people in the rescue and relief operations."

Video grab of a scene at Leh town after flash flood triggered by a series of cloudbursts on Friday. PTI Photo

Major roads to Leh have been cut off and the Kargil-Leh highway has been partially damaged.
A huge cloudburst struck the town around midnight Thursday, triggering flash floods and mud slides, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir zone) Farooq Ahmed told IANS.
"So far, 59 bodies have been recovered. A massive relief and recue operation was started by the police during the night.

Video grab of people sitting on an elevated place after flash flood triggered by a series of cloudbursts in Leh on Friday. PTI Photo

"We have now been joined by the army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)", Ahmad told IANS here.
Tented accommodation and free rations were being arranged for the victims.
"Four policemen are also missing," he said.
Police said more than 300 injured have been admitted to hospitals in Leh. Series of cloudburst took place in this Himalayan town located 424 kilometres from Srinagar.

Video Grab of rescue work after flash flood triggered by a series of cloudbursts in Leh on Friday. PTI Photo

An army spokesperson said 6,000 of its personnel were engaged in the relief and rescue operation and helicopters had been pressed into service since foot movement was extremely difficult due to the mudslides and flash floods.
Reports reaching here said the flash floods have washed away concrete structures, including government offices, paramilitary camps and residential homes in the town.
The headquarters of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNL), a government polytechnic, the ITBP camp, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp, some government offices and residential homes have been extensively damaged.
"The runway of Leh airport has been inundated by flood waters and road connectivity disrupted," a police official said here.

Video Grab of a damaged house after a flash flood triggered by a series of cloudbursts in Leh on Friday. PTI Photo

Due to the damage to the BSNL headquarters, communications have been completely disrupted in Leh town, 434 km from capital Srinagar.
The cloudburst occurred at Choglamsar village, which is situated above Leh. Flash floods and mudslides followed the cloudbursts unleashing the tragedy on the town, sources here said.
Leh, situated at 3,524 mt above sea level, is spread over 45,110 sq km, and comprises the main town and 12 adjacent villages.