Glaciers, snow bodies melt suddenly
*Major catastrophe averted
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, June 25: Troops averted major tragedy with timely rescue of locals and tourists trapped close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in Turtuk area in the Union Territory of Ladakh late last evening when Glaciers and snow bodies melted due to rise in temperature leading to flash floods.
Turtuk village on the LoC had shot into limelight following war between Indo-Pak troops from May to July in 1999 and is located close to the LoC.
Director Meteorological Department Sonum Lotus told the Excelsior that Glaciers and other snow bodies melted suddenly due to rise in temperature which was hovering between 30 to 32 degrees in Leh and Kargil during last few days though it was normal for the month of June.
“The water level suddenly rose after melting of Glacier and snow bodies and it entered some villages in Turtuk, Tyakshi and Thang,” Lotus said.
Officials said soon after getting the call from locals and other sources, the Siachen Warriors of the Army swung into action and rescued locals and some tourists as lifeline for three villages was washed away in sudden floods.
“All locals and tourists, who were in dangers, were rescued. However, number of the tourists was very few,” the officials said, adding there were no casualties. However, sudden floods caused damage to roads and some structures.
“Lifeline for the people of Turtuk, Tyakshi and Thang villages in Ladakh got washed away by sudden flashfloods in the Union Territory of Ladakh, which was caused by the seasonal melting of snow cover.
“However, Siachen Warriors came to the rescue by reviving axis of the commute for community members and tourists,” the officials said.
Lotus said now the Monsoon has arrived in parts of the Union Territory of Ladakh which will significantly bring down the temperature and prevent further melting of Glaciers and snow bodies. The Monsoon has reached Ladakh nearly five days ahead of normal arrival on July 1 Sometimes, arrival of Monsoon is around July 7.
“People will also get respite from the temperature,” he added.
Officials couldn’t say as to whether there was rise in water levels in Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) also in the areas falling opposite to Turtuk.
Officials said senior officers of civil and police administration also visited the spot to assess situation and damages. However, since there was large presence of Army in Turtuk area as it falls close to the Line of Control with Pakistan, the rescue operations were carried out by the Siachen Warriors who also revived the roads by using their machinery.
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