Active land sinking devastates Mendhar village

Poonch, Sep 13: Kalaban village in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district continues to witness land sinking that has been unfolding for several days, devastating the area and disrupting lives.

Officials reported that 41 houses had suffered complete damage, with most collapsing entirely with 16 of these houses having crumbled over the last four days despite clear weather, deepening fears among residents who had earlier believed the sinking would stop once the rains ended.

The crisis has also worsened for around 30 other houses that initially bore moderate cracks but are now sustaining severe damage as fresh fissures develop.

Two Masjids and three government schools collapsed in the ongoing disaster, which affected nearly 150 kanal of land, with one ancestral village graveyard also caving in and many old graves unearthed and skeletons coming out.

Officials said that at least 70 families have been evacuated from the danger zone.

“Most are staying with relatives, while some have taken temporary refuge in government buildings,” they said.

Scenes of devastation unfolded as many families, rendered homeless overnight, stood weeping beside the rubble of their houses.

The residents spoke of losing everything they had built over generations, describing the collapse of their homes as a shattering blow to their lives and livelihoods.

Women and elderly villagers were seen in tears, clutching whatever belongings they could salvage, while children looked on in shock.

Community members said the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming, and they appealed for urgent government assistance to rebuild their homes and lives.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mendhar, Imran Rashid Kataria, said the administration was making every possible effort to assist those affected.

He said that compensation for property loss had been provided to many families and assured continued support as the active land sinking persists.