DOLAKHA: At least five earthquake survivors succumbed to chilling cold in various villages of Dolakha district recently, District Police Office reported on Monday.

As eight such cases were reported just a few days ago, the number of people having died of cold at temporary post-quake camps reached 13.

Police said Miththu Tamang (55) of Chankhu-7, Gambhir Thami (73) of Lapilang-3, Bam Bahadur Tamang (58) of Pawati-5, Dev Kumari Karki (82) of Shailungeshwor-1 and Sanumaya Thami (66) of Kalinchok-1 succumbed to cold while living under the unsecured tents after their houses collapsed in the deadly quakes eight months ago.

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Confirming death of the elderly quake survivors, DSP Bel Bahadur Pandey, however, said it was yet to be verified if all of them died of cold.

Chief of the District Health Office, Madhav Lamsal, said there might have been other causes including asthma and kidney problems behind the death cases. "Many of them were suffering from chronic diseases," he added.

Lamsal requested quake survivors, especially elderly and sick people and children, living under the tents to immediately consult nearest health posts or facilities if they suffer from any problem.

As the government could not launch reconstruction campaign on time, most of the people who lost their houses to the quakes are still living under tents in the district. As the mercury is dipping, their health problems are on the rise.

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