An IL-76, Indian Air Force's largest transport aircraft, landed at Leh today in its second attempt with relief materials, as the toll in the cloudburst mounted to 130.
The aircraft along with four AN-32 aircrafts had left for Leh from here this morning, but had to return here due to bad
weather conditions.
Another IAF aircraft from Delhi had also proceeded to Leh, but had to return to Chandigarh due to bad weather conditions.
"The IL-76 managed to land at Leh after taking off from here again in its second attempt carrying sufficient quantity of blankets, dry food material, medicine and other immediate requirements for the affected people," a defence spokesman here said.
He said the armed forces had launched massive rescue and relief operations for the victims of the devastating cloudburst in Leh.
Extensive damage had been caused due to flash floods and mudslides in Leh.
Adequate number of aircraft and helicopters are available at Kargil, Chandigarh and Udhampur to move to Leh, he said.
He said the IAF's base here is fully geared up for casualty evacuation and rescue operations.
Air Force has opened a disaster management cell at Chandigarh, consisting of three senior officers including medical officers.
The toll in the cloudburst today climbed to 130 even as 600 more are feared washed away in the calamity that was followed by torrential rains and flash floods devastating the Himalayan town in Ladakh region.