PM expresses grief over loss of lives in Leh flash floods

New Delhi, Aug 6 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Friday expressed shock and grief over the loss of life and property in cloudburst related floods in the Choglumsar area near Leh in Ladakh, and sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh each to the kin of each of the deceased.

"I am deeply shocked to learn of the loss of lives and devastation in the flash floods caused by cloudburst in the Choglumsar area near Leh in Ladakh. I send my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery," said Dr Singh in his condolence message.

"The Centre will do all that is possible to help the State Government and the affected people in the rescue and relief operations," he added.

Dr Singh has also sanctioned Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Over fifty-nine people have been reported killed and many more still trapped or missing following cloudbursts in parts of Leh on Thursday night.

"The Prime Minister has asked the Defence Ministry to ensure prompt assistance to the Leh cloudburst victims. Defence Minister A K Antony is personally monitoring the operations," said a Defence Ministry Spokesperson.

The Indian Air Force is conducting aerial sorties over the area to assess the damage, while helicopters are on standby in Kargil, Thoise and Chandigarh.

The army has been deployed for relief operations and the injured have been shifted to the local army base hospital. (ANI)