A steep slope behind the Ten Mile fuel station in Jorabat collapsed on Friday, May 25, 2024, sending earth, rocks and debris tumbling onto the petrol pump and two parked vehicles, which suffered only superficial damage. The video footage that circulated on social media shows the hillside giving way in a sudden, violent rush that left half the station’s area buried beneath rubble, yet no casualties have been reported.
Jorabat’s road network is built on a series of hill‑cut sections that have historically been prone to slips during heavy monsoon rains. Local residents have warned that the area’s complex geology and recent rainfall patterns increase the risk of similar events, yet no formal monitoring system has been installed.
Jorabat Municipal Commissioner Anil Kumar said in a statement that a task force will conduct a geotechnical survey the following day to evaluate the remaining slope stability. He added that the department will coordinate with the Assam Forest Department to monitor soil movement and determine whether road closures or evacuations are necessary.
Petrol pump owner Ramesh Sharma, 52, recalled that the collapse happened while he was refueling a delivery truck. He expressed relief that the incident caused no injuries, but said he fears the hill may slip again if the area is not reinforced.
The Assam Forest Department has pledged to complete the slope assessment by Saturday, May 26, and will issue a safety advisory that may include temporary road blockage or the installation of retaining walls, depending on the survey results.