Jammu, Aug 2: A severe land subsidence has damaged several houses and a school building in a remote village of Poonch district, forcing multiple families to leave their homes as the ground continues to sink following heavy rainfall.
Officials said the subsidence in Saroti Jabran village of Mendhar began after heavy rains on July 22 and has worsened over the past 11 days, with large cracks spreading across the affected area.
According to the administration, two houses and a school building have been completely damaged, while more than six other houses have developed cracks. Local residents, however, claimed that as many as five houses and two school buildings have suffered extensive damage.
Tehsildar Mendhar Rahul Basotra said officials are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in contact with the affected families. He added that a detailed assessment of the damage is underway and that more than a dozen houses remain at risk.
The land movement has also disrupted essential services, damaging drinking water pipelines, electricity poles and power lines, leading to interruptions in water and power supply.
Residents have urged the administration to conduct an immediate geological survey and take engineering measures to divert water accumulation, which they believe is triggering the subsidence.
Villagers also warned that a local shrine, graveyard and another residential settlement located downhill could be at risk if the land continues to sink.
The affected families have appealed to the district administration for immediate relocation, temporary shelter, restoration of basic services, and adequate compensation and rehabilitation.
