A calamitous event unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, as more than 50 houses, four electricity towers, a receiving station, and a main road were severely damaged due to the sinking of land, officials confirmed on Friday.
Ramban’s Deputy Commissioner, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, personally inspected the affected Pernote village, located five kilometers from the district headquarters, early Friday morning. He pledged immediate assistance to the affected families and ensured the restoration of essential services, particularly electricity.
The crisis unfolded when houses began developing cracks, and the vital road link between Gool and Ramban abruptly collapsed Thursday evening, leaving several families displaced and seeking refuge in safer locations.
Addressing reporters at the scene, Deputy Commissioner Choudhary, accompanied by District Development Council Chairperson Shamshad Shan, emphasized the gravity of the situation, terming it a natural disaster. He assumed full responsibility for ensuring the affected families receive adequate food, shelter, and support.
Geology experts have been summoned to investigate the cause behind the land sinking phenomenon, while district officials have been deployed round-the-clock to oversee the rehabilitation efforts and prioritize the restoration of essential services.
Amid ongoing concerns over the sinking land, Choudhary urged residents not to panic and advised them to take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives. Local volunteers, alongside State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, mobilized to assist affected individuals in relocating their belongings from damaged homes. To mitigate the transportation crisis, authorities swiftly activated an alternate route via Sumber-Digdoal to reconnect Gool sub-division with the district headquarters.
This incident evokes memories of a similar catastrophe in February last year when 16 houses were damaged, and road connectivity between Gool and Ramban was severed due to land sinking in the Duksar Dalwa village of the Sangaldan area.
The authorities says we are remain vigilant as they work tirelessly to address the aftermath of this disaster, ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected residents.