Indian army searches for scores missing after Himalayan flash flood

NEW DELHI, Aug 06 (AFP): The Indian army brought in sniffer dogs, drones and heavy earth-moving equipment Wednesday to search for scores of people missing a day after deadly Himalayan flash floods.

At least four people were killed and more than 50 are unaccounted for after a wall of muddy water and debris tore down a narrow mountain valley, smashing into the town of Dharali in Uttarakhand state, rescue officials said on Wednesday.

Torrential monsoon rains continue to pour down hampering rescue efforts, with communication limited and phone lines damaged.

But as soldiers and rescue teams reached marooned individuals, assessment of the number missing has been reduced, down from around 100 who were reported to be unaccounted late on Tuesday.