65% houses in Joshimath impacted by land subsidence: Govt report

65% of homes affected by land subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand; 355 families relocated. Post Disaster Needs Assessment team of 35 found 1,403 of 2,152 houses need immediate attention. Causes of damage include weak building materials, structural flaws, and location on steep slopes.

Land subsidence has affected around 65 per cent of the houses in the pilgrimage town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand, according to a report by government agencies.

Starting January 2, a number of houses and civil structures in an area located near Joshimath-Auli road began to display major cracks due to land subsidence, prompting the relocation of 355 families.

According to local residents, land subsidence had been noticed over several years but became increasingly severe from January 2 to January 8.

Also Read: Seismic activities, construction loopholes, population pressure, among others cause for sinking of Joshimath: reports

A 35-member team conducted a "Post Disaster Needs Assessment" from April 22 to April 25 to assess the damage caused and to identify the assistance required for the long-term recovery and reconstruction of the affected sectors.

The team consisted of professionals from the National Disaster Management Authority, UN agencies, Central Building Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, and other agencies.

According to the assessment report, 1,403 of the total 2,152 houses in Joshimath have been affected due to land subsidence and these need immediate attention.