Dozens killed in Leh cloudburst, flash floods

Toll has rised upto 140 lives till now and more then 500 reported missing.

I dont think going there as a tourist or even as rescue volunteer will be much helpful. Already more then 6000 army man are engaged in rescue operation. and tourists who were there are helping in rescue.

Have seen locals who faced the camera of TV channel were very embrassed to see any tourist/ activity in this situation.
I feel that is natural also , I think every family must have suffered in this disaster.

They will be worried to bring their life on normal track and it will take months (So thinking of going their as a tourist for few months is a moral crime in my openion).

It will be better if we can help these people by donating some some amount in relief fund.



Request to Mod: Can we make a group contribution from IM which can directly reach to Leh to help these people in some matter.

Thanks ariel 22 for your first hand account. Sure, the Ladakhis will rebuild their homes, hotels and businesses as soon as they can after they are done with mourning for their dead.

The local papers have mentioned that some surgeons who were on holiday joined the doctors of the Indian army in rescuing the lives of several Ladakhis and performing emergency operations in makeshift conditions. Hats off to them!


But international food aid has often gone awry in India as locals cannot figure out what to do with cans of tuna fish or smoked ham, or TV dinners! It makes more sense to donate to the Prime minister's relief fund, so that Ladakhis can get the food they are used to eating. Their crops will also have been ruined in the flood hit areas. So tourism can provide some earnings for the Ladakhis to tide them over the harsh Ladakhi winter.

And though my heart bleeds for Ladakh and the tragedy it has undergone I feel it in my bones that the new economy will be even more vibrant. If Ladakhis have survived in such a harsh climate literally on the roof of the world for centuries, they will surely survive a cloudburst. Let us remember that their Buddhist religion provides them with the spiritual underpinnings to bear tragedy and loss. The lamas and their prayer ceremonies will heal the Ladakhis. In metta. Tulsi

An excellent if harrowing account, Ariel, thanks for that. And best wishes at coming to terms with it, that's not nothing you must have seen.

There is a standing thread on the Pakistan situation: 12 MILLION hit by flood in Pakistan.

Sadly, it sounds as the death total will rise as news reports state that hundreds are missing.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...QIfLAD9HF7QIG0


The dead included at least five foreign tourists whose nationalities were not immediately known.

Bhim Sen Tuti, the region's police chief, said "Their bodies are lying on a trekking route outside Leh town, and efforts are on to retrieve the bodies."

Apparently two are French Nationals:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Two-Fr...e1-583958.aspx

not good news coming out

i think this thread shud be merged with the one running in the same topic at Dozens killed in Leh cloudburst, flash floods

Mod Note
Merge just done!

So Sad...

Any idea about a relief fund particularly for this tragedy?

Also, any organisation which is collecting clothing, food, money to be sent to Leh? Would like to donate to it and have friends who would like to do the same.

1. To lend a helping hand or to donate one can call or SMS at +91 8898619953 and +91 9811320906, or log onto www.savethechildren.in.
SOURCE OF ABOVE INFO


2. An account has been opened by Ladakh Aapda Kosh 194800010157923 in PNB for this purpose. Meanwhile, a group of Samiti volunteers left for Leh today to provide aid to the victims.
SOURCE

Was planning to visit leh in Sept second week.... Now conflicted because of the tragedy.... Seems a bit insensitive to go gallivanting in a disaster zone but I believe Leh is a tourism driven economy and If the season is not salvaged may mean a long hard winter for the locals!! Hope and pray for relative normalcy to descend on the region!!

Thank you for sharing.

Would encourage all IM'ers to please donate. I went through annual report of save the children. about 60% of their funds go towards emergency and this is one of them. I hope the money would be put to good use.

and also hope that 'Ladakh Aapada Sahayta Samiti' is going to put the money to good use.

yep totally!

Thanks ariel22 for giving us accunt of your experience with the Leh Tragedy, it gave us inside view to what happened the night of when the Tragedy struck Leh. They are very sweet n honest people living a hard life. Many houses have been destroyed, people killed; our deepest sympathy to them. As Winters will approch there soon, they lives will become more difficult. I am sure Indian Army will do best so help these people-which sould be a relief to these people, cons not much is expected for state goverment of Kashimr.
(We should all donate to help these people in need, just make sure the organization one is donating are the right people working for the course)

I find it strange that Indian newspapers mention, and then on the front page, the tourists that are stuck in Ladakh. I don't remember right now if I even saw the word 'foreign tourists' on the front page... possibly. As if foreign tourists were more important or valuable than the locals.

Is this just my impression?

Foreign tourists must be treated as 'God' (& accordingly pay a premium) was the Tourism Minister's motto a few years back. Other than the Embassies constantly dogging authorities 24/7 for pertinent information on their own Nationals immediate whereabouts ..... I see no difference or need to discern or make headlines at this critical time.