Seven killed, five missing in landslide in Rolpa

The death toll from a landslide in Thabang Rural Municipality-5 of Rolpa has risen to seven, while five people remain missing, authorities said.

The landslide struck the Kotlabara area at night on Tuesday following heavy and continuous rainfall, burying houses, shops and livestock sheds. 

The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Shanti Pun Magar, Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar (65), Juna Kumari Pun Magar (40), Ashim Pun Magar (9), Ashok Pun Magar (6), Dal Bahadur Pun Magar (75) and Manarkhi Pun Magar (71).

Five people: Ajambar Pun Magar (80), Bal Bahadur Pun Magar (78), Lil Bahadur Pun Magar (72), Mani Pun Magar (71) and Hastakala Pun Magar (67) are still missing.

Two other residents, 22 year old Himal Pun Magar and 25 year old Sanjay Gharti Magar, were injured and transferred for further treatment in Butwal. Both are reported to be in serious condition.

A joint team from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police has been deployed to search for the missing people. However, rescue efforts have been hampered by continued rainfall and the risk of fresh mudslides.

The bodies of one woman and two men were recovered along the banks of the Madi River in Swargadwari Municipality and Mandavi Rural Municipality of neighboring Pyuthan. An Armed Police disaster-management team from Pyuthan has also joined the search operation.

The landslide reportedly buried the house of Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar along with other residential structures and livestock sheds used by about seven families. Several cattle and other livestock are also believed to be missing.

Police said they were alerted to the incident at around 9:30 pm on Wednesday and reached the site about 45 minutes later. Security personnel remained at the scene overnight, with rescue operations continuing into Thursday morning.

Authorities have warned that the difficult terrain and ongoing landslide activity are making the operation particularly challenging. Police are continuing to search the area amid concerns that additional people may have been caught in the disaster.