Deep cracks have been discovered in several homes in Dadamandal area of Yamkeshwar block in Pauri Garhwal district following nonstop rain on August 10 after soil subsidence in Joshimath and other regions of Uttarakhand. The local government is being asked to relocate the villagers because they are afraid to stay in their homes. District disaster management officer (Pauri Garhwal), DC Kala said, “We received reports of subsidence and rain-induced damage in Yamkeshwar. In all, 40 families were affected, of which 32 were shifted to safer places in and around the village.”
A senior official, privy to the details, added, “Affected villages include Timli Akara, Devrana and Kasaan. Authorities received reports of subsidence and cracks in houses and roads from mainly these places.”
One house is fully damaged and several others along with agricultural fields have developed cracks, said a report of the district’s Disaster Emergency Operation Centre.
“The verandah in front of my house caved in. There are wide cracks on the walls of my house. This happened after heavy rain for nearly 48 hours since August 9,” said Maya Devi, a resident of Dharkot in Yamkeshwar.
Over a dozen homes in the Pagnao village, which is 25 miles from Joshimath, are under danger due to a landslip. Recurring landslides and roadblocks have been brought on by the state's recent incessant rain. Over 200 roads, including numerous state highways, experienced traffic congestion. Regional meteorological centre director Bikram Singh said, “The current spell of heavy rainfall will continue on Monday. It will start weakening only after August 15.