Large-scale search and rescue operation under way after at least four people killed in Himalayan region
A torrent of mud from a flash flood has smashed into a town in India’s Himalayan region, tearing down a mountain valley before demolishing buildings and killing at least four people, with about 100 others missing.
Videos broadcast on Indian media showed a terrifying surge of muddy water sweeping away blocks of flats in the tourist region of Dharali in Uttarakhand state.
Several people could be seen running before being engulfed by the dark waves of debris that uprooted buildings.
The Indian defence minister, Sanjay Seth, told the Press Trust of India news agency: “It is a serious situation … We have received information about four deaths and around 100 people missing. We pray for their safety.”
