The Earth Cracked Open: No Landslide, But This Himachal Village Sank Into The Ground

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 16:11 IST

Without a landslide or quake, the ground in Thural, Himachal Pradesh, suddenly sank, splitting homes and roads. The Indian Army has sealed the area and begun rescue operations

Thirteen houses were destroyed, and a large trench emerged. (News18)

A shocking disaster has occurred in Thural, Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Without any landslide or mountain fissure, an entire village has sunken into the ground, leaving residents and officials stunned.

As a safety measure, local police, district authorities, SDRF-NDRF teams, and the Indian Army have been deployed to manage the situation. The area has now been cordoned off entirely by the Indian Army, and residents are being assisted in evacuating their homes and salvaging belongings.

Extent Of The Damage

In Bachwai village, part of the Sulah Assembly constituency, the land within a nearly one-kilometre radius has reportedly sunk by around ten feet. This has understandably triggered widespread panic among locals.

Entry into the affected zone has been restricted, although many homeowners remain reluctant to leave their properties.

Emergency Response And Evacuation

With the Indian Army now taking charge, the region resembles a military cantonment. Soldiers have created makeshift paths to help families move their possessions to safer places.

Thirteen houses have been destroyed, and a large trench, around 15 feet deep, has appeared in the middle of the main road, splitting it into two.

Local residents say the ground began shifting on the night of September 15 following heavy rainfall. Witnesses like Usha Kumari and Sunita fled the village as the earth beneath their homes began to collapse. While they lost most of their belongings, the Indian Army has stepped in to retrieve what they can.

Colonel Arpit Parik, based at Yol Cantonment, confirmed that the sinking ground has affected at least 13 families. Deep cracks have formed in homes, and a couple of structures are on the brink of collapse. Medical teams have arrived, and military vehicles are helping relocate residents.

Chief Minister Praises Relief Efforts

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu commended the swift action taken by the Indian Army, Kangra district administration, and local residents. He praised their coordinated efforts in safely evacuating those affected and preventing further loss of life.

According to the CM, not only were lives and property saved, but public confidence in the Army and civil authorities has also been strengthened.

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