Bandipora, July 20, KNT: A residential shed was extensively damaged after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck Hilal Abad in the Nesbal area of Bandipora district, leaving a family without safe shelter.

The landslide occurred following continuous rainfall that has affected several parts of north Kashmir over the past few days. The owner of the shed, Shafiq Sumbli said that the force of the sliding earth caused severe damage to the shed, which had been serving as the family's residence for several years.

The structure was also being used to house livestock. Fortunately, both the family members and the animals escaped unharmed, averting what could have been a major tragedy.

The affected family, facing financial hardships, had been residing in the shed due to the lack of a permanent house. The damage has rendered the structure unsafe for habitation, exposing the family to further hardship.

Local residents have appealed to the district administration to provide immediate relief and temporary accommodation to the affected family, besides conducting an assessment of the losses and extending financial assistance under the applicable relief norms.

The incident comes amid widespread damage caused by incessant rains across Jammu and Kashmir, where landslides, flash floods and soil erosion have affected residential areas, agricultural land and public infrastructure in several districts. [KNT]