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Breaching of river blockade in Indian-controlled Kashmir triggers flash floods

Xinhua, May 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

Breaching of river blockade in Ladakh province of Indian- controlled Kashmir Thursday triggered flash floods and washed away bridges and buildings, officials said.

The blockade had resulted in an artificial lake on the Phuktal river in Zanskar of Kargil district in Ladakh.

The increased water levels down the stream in villages caused panic among the residents, forcing them to move to upper reaches. However, so far no loss of life was reported from the district.

Authorities have issued warnings to the residents and urged them to migrate to safer places far away from river bank.

"Chairman Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali has expressed deep sorrow over the damage caused to the property, bridges etc, in Zanskar and Thasgam Sankoo due to flash floods by sudden breach in river Phuktal and has asked the divisional commissioner to take immediate steps to avert any further damage," a government spokesman said.

In December last year, a massive landslide blocked the river, creating the artificial lake. Earlier this year the local government said they along with teams from federal government were closely monitoring the situation.

Zanskar is about 13,154 ft above sea level and a favorite spot for trekkers.Thousands of tourists including foreigners every year throng mountainous Ladakh either for holidaying or trekking.

In 2010, at least 234 people including some foreign tourists were killed in flash floods that hit region's Ladakh division.

Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Landslides and avalanches are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains and heavy snowfall the region receives. Endi