Mazhar Iqbal
Poonch, Aug 2 (KINS): A landslide has continued to hit Sarouti village in Ward No. 8 of Mendhar Sub-Division in Poonch district for the past 11 days, causing extensive damage and forcing several families to leave their homes.
Local residents said a number of houses have been damaged, while several have collapsed. One house collapsed on July 22, the Government school building was destroyed on July 25, another house collapsed on Friday evening, and one more came down on Saturday. They said cracks in the ground are widening, prompting families to move to safer places.
The villagers said the natural spring, the main source of drinking water, has dried up due to the landslide. Electricity supply has also been snapped, leaving the affected families without basic facilities.
Residents have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Poonch to evacuate and rehabilitate the affected families, restore essential services, and provide immediate relief. They have also requested the deployment of police personnel to assist in evacuation and ensure there is no loss of life.
The villagers said a shrine, a graveyard with over 200 graves, and several more houses remain under threat if the landslide continues. They urged the administration to send an expert team to assess the situation and take immediate steps to prevent further damage.(KINS)
