In disaster struck Leh, the mammoth relief and rescue operations continue into the sixth day with 36 Army Columns deployed. While an Army cook house established at Choglamsar provided food and drinking water to over 2000 civilians, 200 others were given food and shelter at Bazgo and Nimu.Two IAF AN-32s carried 8 Tons load of blankets and tents from Sirsa, procured by National Disaster Management Authority to Leh. Additionally, an IL-76 airlifted 6 Tons of additional BSNL equipment and 15 trained disaster management specialists.The Army meanwhile, also deployed its helicopters to airlift dry and fresh ration including medicines to Phyang and Nimu. About 100 villagers of Hanoyogma continue to be provided food and shelter by the Army.151 foreigners stranded at Lama Yuru were provided assistance by the Army. Army had suffered seven fatal and 41 non-fatal casualties with three JCOs and 25 other ranks reported missing, till date.Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation ,BRO,has been successful in restoring the Leh-Igo and Rumtse-Manali roads. Two other diversions at damaged bridge sites at Pathar Sahib have also been undertaken.Our correspondent Manikant Thakur reports,three French nationals, an Italian and a Spaniard were among 23 foreigners killed in cloudburst and flash floods that devastated Leh last Friday.73 injured people, including security personnel, were today flown out of the region by IAF for medical help.Official sources said,the toll in the tragedy rose to 166 with 400 people still missing.
News On AIR | August 10, 2010 9:49 PM
Rescue operations continue in Leh