Massive Landslide in Latti Destroys GHS Building, 3 Houses, and a Bridge

Latti (Udhampur), Sept 6: A massive landslide triggered by intense rains struck the Latti area, severely damaging a Government High School (GHS) building, three nearby houses, and a vital local bridge. Thankfully, there are no reported fatalities, but residents are deeply shaken and infrastructure links have been disrupted.

The debris from the landslide engulfed the school structure, rendering classrooms unsafe. Adjacent houses were partially buried or collapsed, forcing families to evacuate to safer areas. Crucially, a small bridge connecting Latti to nearby hamlets cracked under pressure and is no longer passable, hampering emergency access and everyday movement.

Impact on Daily Life & Infrastructure

School classes are suspended until structural assessments confirm safety. Evacuated families are currently residing with relatives or in temporary makeshift shelters. Local authorities have cordoned off the affected zone and redirected traffic to alternate routes. The damage to the bridge has isolated several families, further aggravating access challenges amid ongoing rescue and repair efforts.

Response & Next Steps

District officials have deployed geotechnical teams to assess soil stability and propose slope reinforcement. Relief personnel are distributing essentials such as food and safe drinking water. The administration has also placed a temporary structure in place of the collapsed bridge to restore partial connectivity. Engineers estimate reconstruction may take several weeks, depending on weather conditions and material availability.

Community Reactions

Residents expressed relief that no one was injured, but voiced concern about recurring landslide threats. A local villager lamented, "Our lives are perched on weak slopes; what if students had been in school when it collapsed?" Community leaders are calling for long-term slope stabilization, drainage planning, and early warning systems to prevent future disasters.

Wider Context

This incident is part of a series of landslides across Udhampur and surrounding regions following prolonged and heavy rainfall. Last week, cloudbursts and slope failures were reported in multiple areas of Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in property damage and disruptions. Geo-surveys indicate that hilly terrains like Latti are highly vulnerable to soil erosion and landslips unless drainage and vegetation are properly managed.

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Source: Daily Excelsior (Read original)

Labels: Latti Landslide, Udhampur, Infrastructure Damage, GHS School, Bridge Collapse

Tags: #Landslide #Udhampur #Disaster #SchoolDamage #BridgeCollapse

Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.