Foreign tourists also trapped in Leh

NEW DELHI - Several foreigners were among the tourists reported to be stranded in Leh Friday as air links were snapped after massive flash floods hit the town, killing at least 115 and washing away several government buildings and houses.

“Some foreign nationals are reported to have been affected in the natural calamity i.e. flashflood due to cloud-burst at Leh,” a statement by the external affairs ministry said.

It gave the satellite phone number of the control room of the Leh district administration for those wanting to find information. The number is 00870-7636-13623.

A 24-hour helpline has also been set up in the control room. The numbers are 09906990787 and 09906990835.

Unprecedented massive cloudbursts triggered flash floods and mudslides in Leh town around midnight, washing away concrete structures including government offices, paramilitary camps and residential homes in the town.

“The runway of the Leh airport has been inundated by the flood waters and road connectivity was disrupted there,” a police official said in Srinagar.

Because of the damage to the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) headquarters, communications have been completely disrupted in Leh town and it is difficult to reach anybody through phone there.