Flash flood hits Ganglas Phu -Skalzangling Tokpo stretch; high-level team inspects affected areas

DC Leh constitutes committee to assess losses for relief & rehabilitation

LEH: The UT Ladakh administration on Wednesday stepped up its response to the recent flash floods in Leh, with Secretary, Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC), Shurbir Singh, directing agencies to accelerate restoration works, while Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, constituted a committee to undertake a comprehensive assessment of damages for relief and rehabilitation measures.

The directions were issued during a joint inspection conducted by the Secretary, the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leh, Shree Raam R, who reviewed rescue, restoration and debris clearance operations in the flood-affected stretch from Ganglas Phu to Skalzangling Tokpo (Nala).

The inspection covered the affected localities of Horzay, Gonpa, Changspa Bridge and Skara Village, where restoration work continued with the deployment of manpower and heavy machinery by the concerned departments. Officials informed the visiting team that field personnel had worked through the night to clear debris, restore road connectivity and ensure public safety in the affected areas.

Reviewing the progress of restoration operations, Secretary Shurbir Singh instructed all executing agencies to expedite the ongoing works and maintain close coordination to ensure the early restoration of essential infrastructure and public services.

To facilitate relief and rehabilitation efforts, Deputy Commissioner Romil Singh Donk announced the constitution of a committee comprising representatives of the concerned departments to conduct a detailed assessment of losses caused by the flash floods. The committee has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report to guide further relief and restoration measures.

Senior Superintendent of Police Shree Raam R also reviewed the prevailing situation and coordinated with the civil administration to ensure that rescue and restoration activities continue without disruption.

The inspection was attended by officers of the concerned line departments, personnel of the Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UTDRF) and other field functionaries, who briefed the visiting dignitaries on the progress of ongoing operations and the measures being taken to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, carried out a late-night inspection of flash flood-affected locations, including Skalzangling Nala, Skara Bridge and Changspa Bridge, on Wednesday to assess the ground situation and review the district administration’s emergency preparedness amid heightened flood risk.

Accompanied by officers from various line departments, the Deputy Commissioner inspected vulnerable stretches and directed all concerned agencies to remain on high alert, maintain constant surveillance of flood-prone areas and ensure immediate response to any emerging situation.

Reviewing the preparedness measures on the ground, Donk instructed departments to work in close coordination and keep emergency response mechanisms fully operational to safeguard life and property. He emphasised that field-level monitoring should continue without interruption, particularly at locations susceptible to flash floods.

Seeking to reassure residents, the Deputy Commissioner said there was no cause for panic, stating that the District Administration was monitoring the situation round the clock and that all concerned departments were functioning in coordination to address any contingency.

He appealed to the public to exercise caution by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from rivers, streams and other vulnerable locations until conditions improve. Residents were also advised to strictly adhere to advisories issued by the District Administration and cooperate with authorities during the ongoing monitoring exercise.

The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, with restoration teams remaining deployed across vulnerable locations as efforts continue to restore connectivity, public infrastructure and essential services in the aftermath of the flash floods.