Indian flash floods kill 170, hundreds of people still missing

"So far, we have recovered 170 bodies, 140 of whom have been identified," said an officer in Leh's police control room, adding that up to 300 people were still unaccounted for.

Aid workers also estimate that 10 to 12 villages remain inaccessible due collapsed bridges and blocked roads where landslides deposited boulders and mud up to 15 feet high (4 metres).

"More than 5,000 children have been affected by this humanitarian tragedy in Leh alone. We still do not know the fate of hundreds in surrounding villages as they remain inaccessible," said CEO of Save the Children India, Thomas Chandy.

The Indian army, which is fighting a two decade-old separatist insurgency in the disputed border state, has been spearheading relief operations by clearing main supply roads, restoring telecommunication links, evacuating residents, establishing relief camps and distributing aid.

Click here to read the entire article