Landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains have killed nearly 300 people in northern India and Pakistan, officials said.

Landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains have killed nearly 300 people in northern India and Pakistan, officials said today.

The death toll from severe flooding in Indian-controlled Kashmir rose to at least 39, as overwhelmed local authorities requested help from federal rescue officials.

At least 11 children were killed when a van carrying about 30 school pupils plunged 15m into a river in Pakistan-held Kashmir today, police said.