Huge landslide sweeps away at least 19 houses in Lamjung, Nepal

At least 19 houses were swept away by a huge landslide following persistent heavy rainfall in Lamjung District in Gandaki Pradesh, Nepal, on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2020. No fatalities were reported, but six people sustained injuries, and around 62 more residential properties are at high risk as the land is still sliding, posing threats of a further unprecedented mudslide.

Incessant rains in the past days triggered the landslide at around 03:15 UTC (09:00 LT) in Tarapu Pallotari. At least six people sustained injuries, according to Ganga Bahadur Thapa, the deputy superintendent of police at the district. 

Thapa added that efforts are being made to relocate residents as the land is still slipping, putting 62 more houses under high-risk. Several victims have bee accommodated in schools and community settlements.

Continuous rainfall is causing the land to slip, posing risks of further mudslides. Personnel from Nepal Police, Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Red Cross were deployed at the site for rescue and recovery operations.

Debris from the mudslide has covered the whole village, also burying multiple domesticated animals. The police noted that full details of the damage and losses are yet to be identified.

Several landslides also hit Prithvi Highway on July 20 and 21, cutting off Kathmandu from much of the country. Since the rainy season began in Nepal in June, more than 130 fatalities were reported, while 48 others remain missing.

Julie Celestial

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