On August 6, heavy rains resulted in flash floods in Leh District, Ladakh Region, Jammu and Kashmir State. Relief agencies reported that the floods caused at least 196 deaths and affected approximately 2,500 families, with more than 600 families still displaced one month later. Floods and landslides damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 houses as well as hospitals, government buildings, and transportation infrastructure. In response, the Government of India (GoI) dispatched more than 6,000 army and paramilitary personnel to assist with debris clearing, search and rescue operations, and relief efforts, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Follow-up assessments conducted by relief agencies indicated additional needs among affected individuals in outlying areas. Due to the upcoming winter, the GoI identified shelter as a priority need for newly-identified populations affected by the flooding.
On September 9, U.S. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/India to Save the Children for the provision of emergency relief supplies, including mattresses, pillows, and blankets, for 400 families in Leh town and Kargil area in Ladakh Region.