India Legal News: Rescue Efforts Continue in Leh

As per India legal news reports, in August 2010, the region of Leh has been badly hit by a flash flood. The natural calamity has left the region in shambles and shocking trails of death and destruction. The flash flood, triggered by unexpected heavy rains, in the Shyok river of Ladakh region, destroyed several houses and deposited mud up to 15 feet high on highways. It also uprooted telephone towers leading to blockage of all communication networks.

The flash flood has taken a toll of 150 lives and injured 400 people. Further, over 500 people are still missing. Over 10, 000 people have been affected by the calamity. They have lost their family members, houses and shops. Also, the locals are compelled to stay awake during the night, due to the fear of recurrence of the flash flood. 

 
Further, 33 soldiers, who were on duty on the LOC (Line of Control) were washed away by the flash flood. It is said they might have been swept away towards Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The Indian Army has sought the help of Pakistani authorities to track them.
 
India Legal News: Rescue Operations in Leh
 
India legal news reports indicate that nearly 7,000 soldiers are deployed in rescue operations, such as rebuilding roads and bridges. Further, 6,000 soldiers and troopers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are assisting the local authorities. Moreover, a team comprising of 45 members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials have also joined the rescue operations. The group is carrying high-tech equipments, to speed up the rescue efforts. Also, tourists are lending a helping hand.
 
The rescue workers had to struggle through the piles of mud and slush, to pull out the trapped victims. Further, earth movers, cranes and other machines are being used to remove the accumulated mud. Various camps and community kitchens have been set up to treat the injured and feed the homeless. However, the rescuers are facing a major problem due to the communication breakdown. 
 
According to Army official Ashok Panday, the estimated time required to improve the conditions of the road is 48 to 72 hours. Further, the Army officials said that 90 tourists were struck in a monastery in Lama Yuru, in west Leh. While another 73 tourists were stranded in Din Karu. Further, 150 tourists are waiting evacuation in the Zanskar Valley. 
 
India legal news reports indicate that the massive scale of natural disaster has compelled the State Government to lift the ban on SMS services, in Leh. Now the Army officials, locals, tourists, medical professionals and rescuers can avail the SMS services with immediate effect.   The Leh Administration has set up a round the clock 24 hour Helpline to assist people with information.
 
 
The telephone numbers are 09906990787 and 09906990835.