South Asian News Network

Baglung, Sept 28: A tragic landslide in Baglung has claimed the lives of ten people, with one individual still unaccounted for, following relentless rainfall in the area. The past couple of days have seen a significant toll on life in the district, with nine fatalities reported just on Sunday and one more on Saturday. Phanindra Prasai, the chief of the District Police Office in Baglung, shared that four people lost their lives in Tamankhola Rural Municipality on Sunday, while one person is missing, and five others perished in Nisikhola Rural Municipality. Among the victims were 80-year-old Buddhiraj Gharti and 66-year-old Bhimdevi Gharti, who tragically died when their home was swept away in Tamankhola Rural Municipality-3 Dharnasuk. The landslide also obliterated eight houses in that area. In another heartbreaking incident, 50-year-old Hastabir Sripali and 65-year-old Udisara Sripali were killed when their house was destroyed in Tamankhola Rural Municipality-4 Santar, and Hastabir’s wife is currently missing. In Nisikhola Rural Municipality-3 Jugjakhola, four family members lost their lives when their home was engulfed by a landslide. The deceased include 36-year-old Shyam Kumari BK, along with her son Manoj, and two others named Mukesh and Nishan. Additionally, 50-year-old Surya Bahadur Gharti died when a landslide took down a cowshed in Nisikhola Rural Municipality-6 Rangil. On Saturday, 59-year-old Man Bahadur Roka was also a victim, as a landslide destroyed his house in Tarakhola Rural Municipality-5 Dhasmar. Krishna Prasad Acharya, the chief district officer of Baglung, noted that more lives were likely saved thanks to timely warnings. A rescue team, including security personnel and a helicopter from the Nepali army, has been deployed to the affected areas. In related news, floods and landslides have wreaked havoc in Tanahun, damaging 24 houses across six localities due to the recent heavy rains. Deputy Superintendent of Police Dwarika Prasad Ghimire from the District Police Office in Tanahun reported that five houses were affected in Byas Municipality, with additional damage in other areas.