Jammu, Oct 12: A massive landslide struck the Narsoo market area of Somroli along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Sunday morning, damaging several commercial establishments, officials said.
The incident occurred around 11.30 am when a portion of the hillside gave way, sweeping through the market and reducing parts of it to rubble. A recently opened hotel and a few adjoining shops bore the brunt of the collapse, sustaining extensive structural damage.
Authorities confirmed that no loss of life was reported in the incident. Timely evacuation of people from the vulnerable structures prevented casualties as the market was cleared moments before the landslide hit with full force.
Rescue teams and local police rushed to the spot soon after the disaster, cordoning off the affected stretch of the highway to prevent further movement amid fears of additional soil slippage. Traffic on the busy route was temporarily halted as debris removal operations got underway.
Officials said a detailed assessment of the damage is being conducted, while efforts are on to ensure the safety of adjoining areas. The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat of landslides along the Jammu-Srinagar highway, a lifeline often disrupted by such calamities during the monsoon and post-monsoon months.
