India, Jan. 10 -- Fifteen families were evacuated after a multi-storeyed building developed cracks in the Chalaunthi area of Shimla on Friday night, officials said.

The evacuation began around 10pm when the cracks in the building's walls suddenly widened, triggering panic among residents. With no immediate alternative shelter, many families, including children and the elderly, were forced to spend several hours on the street with their belongings in freezing temperatures.

Occupants of the building claimed that minor cracks had first appeared a few days ago but worsened rapidly on Friday. Residents have alleged that ongoing four-lane road construction in the vicinity is the primary cause of the damage, suggesting that heavy excavation an...