In early January, the holy Himalayan town of Joshimath, India woke up to grinding noises of homes cracking apart as the land sank further into the ground. Earthquakes and cracks on walls are common in the region, but this was different. In this week's episode of VICE News Reports, reporter Pallavi Pundir explains the disaster in Joshimath and how the town has come to symbolize a deeper struggle in India where tourism profits can take precedence over people.

Special thanks to photojournalist Vijay Pandey and the people of Joshimath and Chaein, who shared their stories. 

This story was reported by Pallavi Pundir and produced by Adreanna Rodriguez and Sheena Ozaki. It was edited by Stephanie Kariuki. 

VICE News Reports is produced by Sam Eagan, Sophie Kazis, Sheena Ozaki, Adreanna Rodriguez and Adriana Tapia. Our senior producers are Jesse Alejandro Cottrell, Janice Llamoca and Julia Nutter. Our supervising producer is Ashley Cleek. Our associate producer is Steph Brown. Sound design and music composition by Steve Bone, Pran Bandi, and Kyle Murdock. Annie Aviles is our Executive Editor and Janet Lee is Senior Production Manager for VICE Audio. Fact Checking by Nicole Pasulka. Our theme music is by Steve Bone. Our host is Arielle Duhaime-Ross. Charles Raggio is the head of VICE Audio. 

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