12 bridges washed away in Indian-controlled Kashmir

At least 12 bridges were washed away by the flash floods triggered by breaching of river blockade in Ladakh province of Indian- controlled Kashmir, officials said Friday.

"Twelve bridges including three motorable bridges in Lungnak valley have been washed away and the newly installed steel bridges of Nyaraks and Chilling- Kaya in Leh district were also washed away by the water," a government spokesman quoting local minister Chering Dorje as having said. "Chilling-Kaya bridge was the lifeline for the entire Skyu-Markha valley."

The flash floods triggered Thursday and damaged several houses including government owned buildings.

Increase in water level down the stream caused panic among the villagers, forcing them to move to upper reaches, reports said.

However, so far no loss of life was reported from the district.

The local government said they would initiate loss assessment for the damaged land in the affected areas.

Thousands of tourists including foreigners every year throng mountainous Ladakh either for holiday 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