Four people missing in Taplejung landslide

Published On: June 18, 2023 08:30 AM NPT By: Khagendra Adhikari

TAPLEJUNG, June 18: Four people have gone missing in a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall in Sidingwa Rural Municipality in Taplejung on Saturday night.

Those missing after their house was swept away by a landslide that struck in Mehele area in the district include Bhagimaya Budhakshetri, Sandhya Budhakshetri (daughter-in-law), and Prajwal Budhakshetri (grandson). They belong to the same family.

Similarly, a local resident Ganesh Tamang is also reported missing in the Bhalukhop area in the district.

Additionally, three houses were swept away by another landslide in Sidingwa Rural Municipality-3, Aangkop,. Man Bahadur Rai, Chairman of Sidingwa Rural Municipality, confirmed that the occupants of the affected houses, namely Prem Seling and his brother Maheshwar Seling, managed to escape and survive.

Furthermore, the BBC bridge in Inkhola was washed away by the landslide, according to Chairman Rai. The increased water flow in the Tamorani and Maiwakhola rivers poses a significant risk to the confluence market in the riverside area.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajan Limbu at the District Police Office, Taplejung reported that the road leading to Atharai Tribeni and Maivakhola Rural Municipality was cut off due to a landslide near one of the the motorable bridges, blocking the route.

Similarly, local resident Indra Ghatani shared that the landslide affecting Dhan Bahadur Thebe's house in Bagthala, Ward No. 4 Tellok of Sirijanga Rural Municipality, has disrupted communication from Badthala to the village office.

Mechi highway blocked

The Taplejung-Phidim section of the Mechi highway is currently facing a significant obstruction due to the Hewakhola bridge in Panchthar being washed away by flooding.

DSP Hari Khatiwada, Chief of the District Police Office, Panchthar, confirmed the unfortunate incident, stating that the bridge was completely destroyed by the swollen river.

Considering the challenging circumstances caused by floods and landslides along the Tamor Corridor, Khatiwada urged travelers to exercise caution and manage their journeys accordingly. With the Hewakhola bridge now out of order, the direct connection from Taplejung to Jhapa via the Phidim-Ilam route on the Mechi highway is blocked.