Several more thought missing
RASUWA, July 27: Before they could fully recover from the devastation caused by the 2015 earthquakes, yet another disaster has befallen the locals of Timure in Rasuwa district. On Wednesday night, landslides triggered by incessant rainfalls claimed nine lives in Timure of Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2, near the Nepal-China border.
It buried a police post, one temporary shelter and two hotels while people inside were asleep. Twelve more were rescued in the aftermath with the help of an excavator, informed Chief District Officer (CDO) Krishna Paudel of Rasuwa. They were taken to nearby Timure Health Post for treatment.
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The deceased have been identified as Shyam Shrestha, Bikram Shrestha, Mangal Tamang and Sush Khadka of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-4, Sindhupalchowk district; Mingmar Gombo Tamang and Karsang Kimo Ghale of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-1, Rasuwa; Dorjee Wangju Ghale of Gosainkunda-2; and Ramesh Tamang and Sharmila Kamini of Nuwakot.
“The deceased include a container driver, a hotel operator and hotel workers,” informed Police Inspector Dillip Chhetri.
Some more people are thought to be still buried under the landslide debris. Police said rescue operation is still ongoing. Two excavators and a dozer are being used for the rescue mission.
Landslides have also obstructed Rasuwagadhi trade route with the northern neighbor China. It could take up to two days to make the trade route functional, according to officials concerned. Consignment trucks headed for Kerung of China from Kathmandu and vice versa have been stranded following the landslides.
According to District Police Office, Rasuwa, landslides have blocked the route at several locations so it will take some time to reopen the road. Rasuwagadhi route is currently used extensively following the closure of Tatopani route after the 2015 earthquakes.
