Landslide in the hilly areas of Dhading district is not uncommon but this year it occurred before the start of monsoon. After the massive earthquake and recurring aftershocks, rocks and soil in the hills have lost rigidity making landslide a common occurrence.
Recounting his horror, Rai says it was the worst experience of his life. After walking for hours, Rai and his team had reached the hill, which in no way looked all that dangerous."Ramesh was ahead of us and he had already crossed a part of the affected area. All of a sudden, we heard the sound of rocks rolling down the bare hill. For almost a minute, we stood still as huge masses of rocks and soil rolled down the hill," said Rai.
According to Rai, recent earthquakes have left deep and wide cracks on rocks. "The deadly cracks were seen in the hills in the rural villages of Ghumgdhi and Jharlay. The earth's surface has ruptured in many areas," said Rai.
The threat of landslide looms large in the hill areas after the recent earthquake, which has already claimed more than 8,000 lives across the country so far.
Similar is the account of Meghnath Dhital, a lecturer at the Department of Geology under the Tribhuwan University (TU). Only recently, Dhital along with an 11 -team of Chinese academicians had carried out an aerial survey of landslide prone areas in Sindhupalchowk district.
According to Dhital, landslides have been reported along the Kodari highway that connects Sindhupalchowk with the Tatopani area, the highway linking Dolakha and Tamakoshi, the Pasanglamhu Sherpa highway that connects Rasuwagadi with Balaju Chyapma area and Nuwakot.
"Hundreds of houses and settlements along the highway are at the risk of landslides. The government should immediately send rescue and rehabilitation teams in the affected areas. These people must be brought to safer areas at any cost before the monsoon," said Dhital.
He further shared that he has already submitted a report on the landslide affected areas in Sindhupalchowk to the Ministry of Land Reform and Management and urged them take immediate measures to save lives.
Hundreds of people stranded in Tatopani
Around 100 people have been stranded at Tatopani-based Mansarowar School in Sindhupalchowk district since Tuesday. They have been stranded after the landslide triggered by the Tuesday's earthquake.
Speaking on the phone, one of the victims pleaded for immediate help. Likewise, another 200 locals are still waiting to be rescued from Dudh kilo in Tatopani.
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