Leh Flood Update: Rescue, Relief Efforts by the Armed Forces
The Armed Forces are continuing with rescue and relief operations in flash flood-hit Leh-Ladakh. The IAF flew an IL-76 transport aircraft, two Cheetah and one MI-17 helicopters yesterday, airlifting nearly 26 tons relief materials and 20 people. So far the Air Force has undertaken 226 sorties, airlifting over 302 tons relief materials and equipment and flying 818 passengers.
Besides the IAF efforts, 18 columns of the Army continue to render rescue and relief operations on the ground. 300 Civilians have been provided food at Choglamsar village near Leh and 19 civilians at the Government Degree College, Leh. Acting swiftly the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored 12 of the 21 bridges washed away in the August 5 flash floods. Work to lay bridges in Khalsi and Batalik of Kargil sector and Biamah and Chaluka in Turtuk is progressing fast. Following fresh flash floods in Tawi river on August 12, two Engineer Task Forces have been deployed in Bhagwati Nagar, Belicharna and Gandu Chak of Jammu region at the call of the state government.
The death toll in the flash floods, following the cloud burst in Ladakh region, has touched 175, including 13 Army personnel. Twenty-two Army personnel including three JCOs are still missing.
DM / PK / RAJ
(Release ID :64819)