Snowfall damages over 10 houses in Pangi Valley

Heavy snowfall in Pangi has damaged more than 10 houses across the valley, including official residence of the Naib Tehsildar.

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According to reports, snowfall and avalanches have disrupted daily life, with roads blocked and communication networks down.

In Kumar village, an avalanche damaged five houses and completely destroyed the Health Department’s sub-health centre building on Friday. The BSNL tower in the area also suffered damage, further affecting communication in the valley.

The roof of the Naib Tehsildar’s government accommodation collapsed due to heavy snow load. Additionally, two houses in Gosthi and one house each in Sach and Ghisel villages suffered damage.

In Punto village, a two-storey house was damaged, impacting three families. Similarly, a two-storey house in Mahaliyat village was also damaged.

Preliminary estimates suggest losses amounting to around Rs 50 lakh. However, authorities have stated that a detailed assessment will be conducted once roads are cleared and compensation would be provided to the affected individuals.

Reports indicated that several houses in Kukdolu village also got damaged.

Further, a temporary bridge over the Saichu Nala has collapsed due to heavy snowfall, cutting off the connectivity of Sandhari Par village from the rest of Pangi.

Residents are now stranded, facing severe difficulties, especially with the upcoming annual school examinations starting from March 4. Locals have long demanded a permanent bridge at the site, but to no avail.

Teams would be dispatched to assess the extent of damage and submit a detailed report to the government once the roads open for traffic, said Naib Tehsildar Sita Ram, adding that his official residence was also damaged due to heavy snowfall.