Leh cloudbursts: 150 dead, 200 still missing

Leh, Aug 9: Rescue efforts are in full swing after Friday Aug 9 cloudbursts that flattened villages and destroyed all communication links in the valley.

According to NDTV Correspondents, the latest estimates of the dead toll has reached to 150 and still around 200 people are reported as missing.

As more bodies are dug out, many dead are identified as migrant labourers and tourists.

Thirty five satellite phones have been sent to Leh to ensure communication. BSNL mobile services will start in Leh by Aug 9.

The workers involve around 6,500 Army and 1,000 ITBP personnel struggling through piles of slush and mud. Nine IAF planes have landed and brought relief material including 5,000 blankets, 75 tarpaulins and a team of nurses.

Special flights like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Kingfisher are operating from Leh to Delhi to bring stranded tourists back.

The Army and the ITBP are trying their best to create a bridge so that vehicles can resume at the earliest.

For the survivors this is only just the beginning as their lives are devastated by this nature's fury.

OneIndia News