95 houses develop cracks, villagers shift to safer shelters, rescue teams assess risks, damage
Poonch: Continuous rainfall in the Jammu division has led to significant natural disasters, including landslides, land subsidence, and flash floods, particularly affecting the Poonch and Ramban districts.
Reports said that in Kalaban village, located in the Mendhar sector of Poonch, the ground has become unstable, prompting officials to declare the area unsafe. Approximately 95 houses have developed cracks, resulting in the evacuation of nearly 700 residents to temporary shelters. Local farmer Mohammad Yousuf described the alarming situation, noting the rapid deterioration of their homes and the uncertainty of their return. District officials have prioritized safety, providing essential support such as food and bedding to the displaced families. In Ramban district, the aftermath of a recent cloudburst has been devastating, claiming five lives in Gadhgaram village. Residents recounted the suddenness of the disaster, which transformed their village into a riverbed overnight. Local authorities, including Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju, are actively assessing the damage, reporting that around 20 to 25 houses have visible cracks and land subsidence of 1 to 1.5 feet has been observed. Raju assured the community of efforts to relocate affected families to safer areas and to provide compensation for their losses.
