Death roll rises to 145 while 500 persons still missing in Leh

Choglumsar (Leh), Aug.: The death toll in the devastated Leh region reached 145 on Sunday even as rescue workers struggled through piles of mud and slush in search of over 500 people still missing here.

The devastation caused by cloudburst and flash floods has been at such a large scale that it has flattened villages and snapped power and communication links.

Walking on the layers of unstable mud in one of the worst-hit Choglusmar village, you could find the high tension wires hanging right next to you.

Rescuers have waded through knee-deep mud to extricate trapped persons.

Jawans of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Army and General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) ploughed through the silt and boulders with earth movers, cranes and other machines, tourists were seen giving a helping hand. (ANI)