Sinkhole damages 3 houses at Zoonimar, affected families evacuated

Srinagar, Dec 6: Panic gripped Zoonimar area in Downtown after a sinkhole damaged three houses in the locality.

Officials said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a sinkhole appeared under one of the houses, resulting in damages. The residents said that all the houses have developed cracks and one of the houses has also tilted. “We fear the situation can further deteriorate if mitigation measures are not taken,” they said.

A resident of one of the houses said that she was doing household chores when she heard a noise.

“Within no time, a big sinkhole appeared before me, and I ran from the spot. On the instructions of officials, we have shifted from the houses,” said one of the residents.
The residents said soon after the incident they informed the concerned police officials who reached on the spot.

“Later officials from district administration and SDRF also arrived on the spot. They assessed the situation and declared three houses unsafe. All the houses were sealed. We are now putting up at our neighbour’s houses,” said Tajamul Ahmad, a local.

An official from SDRF said that there is over 13 feet deep sinkhole under one of the houses. He said it is dangerous for residents to live there as it can further sink.

“We again checked the situation in the morning. The houses have been locked and residents are told not to stay there. We are still assessing the situation and after proper investigation, something can be said. The sinkhole has spread to the kitchen area as well and it can further increase. ,” said the official.

The residents said that they have been living in the houses for over 15 years, and the issue has gripped them in panic. They said they fear that sinkholes can further increase. They appealed to authorities to provide all kinds of assistance so that they could come out of this issue.