Phidim, July 17

Six families of Tapethok VDC have been stranded due to landslides triggered by incessant rainfall in Taplejung since last night.

As many as 21 members of the households are not even in a condition to move to safer places, as landslides have occurred from all sides.

According to District Police Office, Taplejung, though police teams from Tapethok and Lelep police posts were mobilised to the site to rescue the victims, they have not been able to reach the village due to the lack of a trail. DSP Ram Bahadur KC said security personnel were directed to reach the disaster-hit village despite hurdles. He, however, said he was unaware about the latest situation due to network problems.

“Landslides have struck the entire village and the Ghunsa River has been flooded, creating problems in rescue operation,” said DSP KC.

According to preliminary information, a 27-year-old woman Mamata Rai has gone missing after the landslides. This village lies on the way to Kanchenjunga mountain and is one-and-a-half-day walk from the district headquarters Fungling.

Chief District Officer of Taplejung Chakra Pani Pandey said they were trying their best to rescue the disaster-hit victims. “We have been trying to contact security teams to know about the latest situation, but the poor network has failed us. If they cannot be rescued by any means, we are preparing to manage a helicopter for the victims. But this is not possible right away due to bad weather,” said CDO Pandey.