50 houses damaged in Ramban road sinking

SRINAGAR — At least 50 houses got damaged after a road caved in at Pernote area of Ramban district last evening, officials said on Friday.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ramban, Baseer-ul-Haq told the news agency KNO that 30 residential houses were damaged in the initial stage and 20 more were affected later.

“We are shifting the affected families to safer places and the administration is making arrangements for food and other related stuff for the affected families,” he said.

He further stated that the work on the restoration of essential services will be ensured soon and that losses are being assessed. DC Ramban also said that a team of geologists will assess the situation and the measures to prevent huge losses will be taken accordingly.

Sources said that four towers of a 400 KV transmission line, one receiving station, and a 33 KV transmission line also got damaged.

“Alternate road via Sumber-Digdol has been made operational for connectivity and essential services supply. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) team is likely to visit the site within a couple of days to ascertain the facts that led to the sinking in the area,” they said.

Deep Kumar, Tehsildar of Ramban, said that the land has been identified and “we have set up a rehabilitation camp with a capacity of 200-300 people where free medical aid, food, and other necessities are being provided through the district administration.”

He said NDRF and district administration among others are on the spot and are continuously monitoring the situation. He further said the sinking has occurred due to heavy rains.