Army rescues 400 stranded tourists from flood-hit Ladakh

Jammu, Aug 9: About 400 stranded tourists have been evacuated by the Army from flood-hit areas of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir as several villages of the region were cut off from the main land.

"Army troops swiftly launched a large scale rescue and relief operations in all flood-affected areas to save precious lives," Defence Spokesman at Army's Northern Command, Col S D Goswami said.

"Heavy rains, flash floods since last month have affected large parts of Ladakh region. Inundated roads, submerged villages, damaged bridges have caused havoc during prime tourist season," he said.

The Ladakh region witnessed unprecedented heavy rains coupled with mud and rock slides resulting in sudden increase in water levels in almost all water bodies, he said.

Large stretches of roads have been washed away snapping lines of communications and a number of people were stranded, he said.

"Vital bridges near Achinathang, Biamah and Khalsar areas were also washed away which resulted in a number of villages being cut off," he said.

"In addition, 250 tourists at Upshi and 150 tourists at Khalsar were stranded," he said.

The Army units swiftly came to the rescue of the people and started restoring lines of communication on priority.

Col Goswami said that at Biamah village a crucial bridge and about 25 to 30 houses got washed away.

"Army established a relief camp in the village where food, medicines and other supplies were distributed. In addition, tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and blankets were distributed," he said.

The spokesman said,"in the Nubra valley, Khalsar village was cut off due to the bridge being washed away. A relief camp was established at Khalsar, where food, medicines were provided to the civilians".

"Army also evacuated about 400 stranded tourists from Khalsar and Upshi areas by constructing improvised crossings," he said.

PTI