CHICAGO, IL (August 16, 2010) – Covenant World Relief has sent funds to help the Hindustani Covenant Church (HCC) minister to survivors of catastrophic flash flooding in the Indian state of Kashmir, Director David Husby announced today.

The region of the flooding is a plateau at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet. It receives little rainfall annually, so people were not prepared for the flash floods that caused widespread destruction on August 7, says Steven David, HCC moderator (president).

David said more than 180 people have been reported killed with another 500 missing, believed to be buried under debris. In some areas, rescuers waded through knee-deep mud to extricate people trapped under collapsed buildings.

Rescuers have not yet reached several remote villages and authorities fear the death toll could exceed 500. More than 90 people were being treated in makeshift hospitals.

Heavily damaged infrastructure, including communication links, is hampering rescue and relief work. The government has set up relief camps, but those will be inadequate for the harsh winter in the area, David said.