Joshimath Deja Vu: Jammu and Kashmir's sinking road damages dozens of houses in Ramban district

In a striking parallel to last year's alarming land subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, over 50 homes met a similar fate in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district. This time, it was a sinking road that dealt a damaging blow to the residences of dozens of people, media reports said citing officials.

Due to the sinking, electricity towers were also damaged in added trouble for the residents.Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Jitendra Singh on Friday (Apr 25) said that up to 60 houses were damaged."Out of these, 30 houses are completely damaged, while 10 more are likely to get affected," he added.

Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, upon visiting the afflicted Pernote village, promptly reassured distressed residents of assistance. He promised to provideessentials, including electricity, which had taken an unexpected plunge.

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As cracks crept up homes and the once-sturdy road linking Gool and Ramban sank,Choudhary said, “This is a natural disaster and being the head of the district, I take full responsibility for providing food and shelter to the affected families."District Development Council (DDC) chairperson Shamshad Shan was also present at the site of the incident.

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He has also issued directives for summoning geology experts to unearth the cause of the land's sudden descent. Meanwhile, district officials were dispatched to oversee the situation and ensure essential services for the residents.Choudhary urged calm and advised locals not to panic. Local volunteers worked hand in hand with SDRF and NDRF teams to rescue belongings from thedamaged houses that are now too risky for anyone to live in.

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Former sarpanch Kalasha Devi recounted,"Yesterday, at around 7 pm, first small cracks were seen on the roads. Right in front of us, the road sank almost a foot till 10-11 pm."

"Our crops have also been damaged. The grid station has collapsed, and due to this, we do not have electricity, water pipelines are also damaged...," she added.

Union Minister Singh is in "constant" contact with the Ramban Deputy Commissioner to take stock of the situation on ground.

(With inputs from agencies)