Flash flood due to heavy rainfall leaves trail of destruction in Leh town

CEC, MP & DC Leh assess flood-affected areas, initiate relief operations

Leh, July 22: In an unfortunate incident last night due to heavy rainfall, Leh experienced flash floods in several areas due to cloud bursts. Chairman/CEC, Tashi Gyalson, and MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, along with DC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, Councillors, and HoDs of all line Departments, visited the affected areas to assess the damages and provide necessary assistance to the affected localities.

Upon receiving SOS/ERSS calls reporting the flash floods at midnight, CEC Tashi Gyalson advised DC/Chairman DDMA Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve to activate the immediate Disaster Response Management team. In response, various UTDRF, Volunteers, and Paramilitary forces teams, led by DC Leh, swung into action and placed resources and required machinery for relief and rescue operations. Emergency relief camps were also set up at multiple locations for those displaced by the floods.  

CEC Tashi Gyalson, MP Ladakh, and DC Leh visited various areas including Chokhang Vihara, Chubi, Lamdon School, Khakshal, Katpa, Chutey-Rantak, Kharyok, Leh Main Market, and Skampari, where they witnessed several damages caused to households, agricultural fields, hotels, livestock, vehicles, and more. During their visit, concerned Departmental officers were instructed by CEC Tashi Gyalson to initiate immediate relief work in all uncovered areas.

Tehsildar Leh was tasked with thoroughly documenting all damages to individual properties, agricultural lands, and livestock, and report to the Chairman’s office within a week with all details. He also instructed Tehsildar Leh to initiate relief measures including land compensations procedures on a priority basis. He also directed officers of the R&B and I&FC Divisions to restore all road accesses, culverts, and irrigation canals damaged by the flood immediately on a war-footing basis for public convenience.  

On the direction of Chairman/CEC, Tashi Gyalson, officers of District Administration, Leh provided immediate relief materials, such as rations, blankets, water cans, etc., to the affected individuals, especially migrant labourers. CEC Tashi Gyalson assured all the flood victims of his support and further pledged all necessary and timely assistance from the Hill Council, Leh, and the UT Administration Ladakh.  

Additionally, CEC Tashi Gyalson has instructed all the sub-divisional officers and officials to assess the damage caused by the recent flash floods in all the affected villages and ensure timely restoration and provision of relief materials to the flood victims including land compensation measures.

Given the unpredictable weather conditions, H’CEC also urged all locals to remain cautious until the current weather stabilises.