Two-Storey Building Collapses After Landslide in Uttarakhand’s Nainital | On Cam – News18

A two-storey building in Chatan Lodge of Uttarakhand’s Nainital collapsed on Saturday, sparking panic among people in the town. This led to immediate evacuation of residents from the surrounding buildings situated on a hill, which were at risk due to the collapse.

The collapse was triggered by a landslide which began early on Saturday. The landslide, although, initially caused debris and stones to fall onto a tin shed. According to a Times of India report, by 1:15 pm, the two-storey building — owned by a government official, Subhash Chanyal — collapsed due to the force of the landslide.

The video of the incident went viral on social media, where the building can be seen toppling down the heavily-populated hillside. As it was falling down, bystanders were heard screaming with panic, this brings backs the memories of the horrifying eight-storey building collapse in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu last month.

“All the vulnerable houses in the area are being evacuated in view of the threat of more landslides,” SDM Pramod Kumar was quoted as saying by ToI.

On the other hand, locals claimed that the landfall took place after authorities conducted an anti-encroachment drive recently on the land of BD Pandey Hospital in Nainital’s Mallital. They further claimed that after the drive, several houses located in the neighbouring areas and the uphill developed cracks.

Landslides have been a recurring event in Nainital, making it a matter of concern for the town. Several areas including Raj Bhavan Road, Birla Road, Mall Road, DSB Hotel, continue to be vulnerable to landslides. Despite several warnings, new construction projects have continued to take place in the city. This might have a major effect on the city’s long-term safety.

MASSIVE LANDSLIDES THIS MONSOON

Heavy rains lashed Uttarakhand during monsoon this year. At least three people died and 17 more were injured after a massive landslide and flash floods hit the state’s Rudraprayag city. The fateful incident occurred on the Kedarnath Yatra route that hosts several shops and dhabas which were swept away following flash floods causing heavy loss of property.

In Himachal Pradesh, a massive landslide hit Kullu’s Anni area in August which led to the collapse of multiple buildings. Around eight to nine building collapsed near the new bus stand in Anni. No loss of life was reported as the buildings — as a precautionary measure — were evacuated a few days prior to the incident, officials said.