ROLPA: The death toll from a landslide triggered by continuous rainfall in Thawang Rural Municipality-5, Kotlabara, Rolpa, has risen to seven, while five people remain missing, according to police. The landslide occurred on Tuesday evening following incessant rainfall in the area.
Police said that two local residents, 22-year-old Himal Pun Magar and 25-year-old Sanjay Gharti Magar, were injured in the incident. Both were referred from Thawang Health Post to Butwal for further treatment.
A joint search and rescue operation involving the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force (APF) Rolpa, and Nepal Police is underway to locate the missing persons. APF Deputy Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa said rescue efforts have been hampered by continuous rain and recurring mudslides.
Those confirmed dead have been identified as 18-year-old Shanti Pun Magar, approximately 65-year-old Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar, 40-year-old Jun Kumari Pun Magar, 9-year-old Ashim Pun Magar, 6-year-old Ashok Pun Magar, 75-year-old Dal Bahadur Pun Magar, and 71-year-old Manarakhi Pun Magar.
Authorities said the bodies of one woman and two men were found along the banks of the Madi River in Swargadwari Municipality and Mandavi Rural Municipality of Pyuthan district. Following the discovery, an APF disaster management team from Pyuthan was also deployed to assist in the search operation.
The missing have been identified as 80-year-old Ajambar Pun Magar, 78-year-old Bal Bahadur Pun Magar, 72-year-old Lil Bahadur Pun Magar, 71-year-old Mani Pun Magar, and 67-year-old Hastakala Pun Magar. The landslide also buried the house of the deceased Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar along with several other houses and cattle sheds.
Livestock are also reported missing in the disaster.
