Kashmir flooding leaves thousands underwater, 175 dead

2014-09-08 86

Flood waters sweep through villages in India's Kashmir.

Some 2,500 communities are destroyed or partially underwater, while thousands of people are stranded on their rooftops waiting for rescue.

Major flooding following heavy rains caught people in low-lying areas off guard.

Some 5,000 people had to be rescued by the army .

(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) SURVIVOR, HAJI MOHAMMMED SHAFI, SAYING:

"I was stuck due to the flood for four days; army people came and rescued me. Water levels are very high. I am very thankful to army for saving me."

The army's set up relief camps in Kashmir state but major roads are underwater, hampering aid efforts.

It's the worst flooding in the area in 60 years, leaving a death toll of at least 175, although it 's expected the final number will be much higher.