SRINAGAR: A major landslide has hit the Sarouti Jabran area of Mendhar in Poonch district, damaging a government school and several residential houses, while triggering ground subsidence that has left residents fearing further destruction.
The landslide caused portions of land to cave in, with large cracks appearing in several houses. Residents said the incident has created panic in the village as the unstable slope continues to pose a threat to lives and property.
The government school in the area has also suffered damage, prompting locals to demand a structural safety assessment before classes resume. They said the safety of students and staff must be ensured before the building is put back into use.
The affected families have appealed to the district administration to carry out an immediate assessment of the damage, provide compensation and begin rehabilitation of those affected.
Residents also urged the authorities to shift vulnerable families to safer locations, warning that any further rainfall could aggravate the landslide and increase the risk of more damage.
They further demanded that the administration and disaster management authorities declare the area vulnerable and undertake long-term mitigation measures to safeguard the village. (KNT)
