At least 85 people were killed and scores injured on Friday after flash floods from a cloud bust hit a major town in the mountainous area of Ladakh in Indian-controlled Kashmir Kashmir, officials said.

"The death toll in the flash floods has rose to 85 and is likely to go up further," said an official.

The flash floods and mud slides triggered after a sudden downpour Thursday night in the area have caused a massive damage washing away buildings.

Police, army and civil administration have launched rescue operations on massive scale.

Officials said the town's main SNM Hospital and bus stand have been damaged and water has submerged telephone exchange, thereby snapping communication links. The strong water current has also torn parts of the main Srinagar-Leh road hampering traffic movement.

Many civilian buildings have also been washed away in the heavy downpour.

Five villages are reported to be hit in the sudden downpour and flash floods. These included Choglumsar and Shapoo. Old Leh city was among the worst affected.

The air traffic to the Leh has been suspended as water has logged into the airport, causing damage to the runway at various places.

Ladakh is a high-altitude desert about 3,500 meters above sea level, and receives low rainfall.