Guwahati, July 16: A residential building in Guwahati’s Odalbakra locality was damaged after a massive boulder rolled down a hillside and crashed into the structure on Wednesday evening, triggering panic among residents. No injuries were reported as the family living in the house managed to escape safely.
According to local sources, the incident occurred at house number 13A on Bishnu Rabha Path, owned by Ratan Das. The boulder is believed to have become dislodged from higher ground following a landslide before smashing into the house, causing significant structural damage.
Following the incident, the local Circle Officer and officials from the concerned departments visited the site to assess the situation. However, rescue and clearance operations faced immediate difficulties because of the narrow approach road leading to the affected property.
Fire and Emergency Services personnel were unable to reach the site as their vehicles could not pass through the constricted route, delaying efforts to remove the debris and secure the damaged area.
Authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage and the stability of the surrounding hillside. Officials are expected to initiate appropriate measures to minimise the risk of further landslides or rockfalls if the slope remains unstable.
The incident has heightened concerns among local residents over the vulnerability of hillside settlements during periods of unstable weather and highlighted the need for improved access to facilitate emergency response operations in such areas.
