Poonch, Sep 10 (KNO): Days after a massive landslide struck Kalaban village in Poonch district, teams of geologists have been deployed to assess the slope conditions and evaluate the risk of further ground movement, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the landslide damaged over two dozen homes in Kalaban, displacing residents and forcing many to relocate to temporary shelters.
“Immediate relief work is continuing, however, the focus has now expanded to understanding the underlying geological causes of the event,” said an official, adding, “The land is still shifting, and further collapse in surrounding areas remains a possibility.”
He said that geologists are currently conducting field studies to measure soil saturation levels, map fracture zones, and evaluate the structural integrity of the slope.
“Early observations suggest that prolonged rainfall and water infiltration have weakened the hill's subsurface layers, contributing to the slide,” he said, adding, “Teams are using both surface-level inspections and remote sensing data to build a clearer picture of how the terrain has responded to recent weather patterns.”
"The outcome of these assessments will be critical in determining whether nearby households and infrastructure are at continued risk. Some areas, already marked as unsafe, may see extended evacuation orders, depending on the findings,'' the official said, adding that they are also considering whether slope reinforcement or controlled relocation will be required in parts of the village.
Experts are of the opinion that an integrated slope monitoring system, including early-warning sensors and community alerts, may be necessary in these high-risk zones.
The administration has stated that the findings will guide future land-use decisions and infrastructure planning in hill regions where shifting terrain is becoming increasingly common.
Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, who visited the area said that the landslide had caused extensive damage in Kalaban village, with nearly 25 houses completely destroyed and several others developing structural cracks.
He said that a significant portion of the village had been affected, rendering the area unfit for habitation. He further stated that directions had been issued to the local administration to ensure relief assistance reaches the impacted families, assuring that the government is actively involved in supporting the affected residents—(KNO)