Climate change caused Leh tragedy; NGO seeks public help

The
cloudburst that resulted in devastating flash floods in Leh on August 6 was the
worst one to hit the north Himalayan region in the last two decades.

Considering that cloudburst is a rare
phenomenon in the region, scientists are of the opinion that it was caused by climate change in Ladakh and
have already started probing into the exact cause.

The meteorological observatory of the
Indian Air Force reported that 12.8 mm of rainfall was received in a 24-hour
period between August 5 and 6, nearly equalling the average precipitation
received by Ladakh during August — prime conditions for a cloudburst, which
occurs when heavy rains fall over a small area in a short period.

Over 500 people went missing and another 400 were injured in the disaster,
leading to widespread destruction. An estimated 132 lives were lost.

The NGO Save The Children has urged citizens to come forward and help the thousands
affected in the region. To lend a
helping hand or to donate, one can call or SMS +91 8898619953 and +91
9811320906. One can also log on to www.savethechildren.in.