Six dead, dozens missing after northern India floods

SHIMLA, India  (AFP) - Flash floods killed six people and left as many as 54 missing after triggering landslides and flattening houses in a remote village in northern India, police said Wednesday.

Ten school children were among the missing after a cloudburst triggered the flooding late Tuesday, police said, adding the children had travelled to Ghanvi village to celebrate the 60th anniversary of India's independence.

"Six bodies have been recovered so far by rescue teams from the debris in Ghanvi village in Shimla district," said a senior police official.
"The final death toll could be between 50 and 60 people," said police officer Jaipal Singh.

Army, paramilitary and police teams combed the debris for survivors.

Floodwater raced through the village in scenic Himachal Pradesh state, causing landslides and washing away houses and other buildings, such as a school, police said.

The Press Trust of India reported 16 houses were washed away.

There were fears some victims might be buried in landslides while others could have been swept into a nearby fast-flowing river, police said.

Ghanvi lies 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Shimla, state capital of Himachal Pradesh.

The village is at least two hours on foot from the nearest road and this was hampering rescue efforts, police said.