KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has expressed condolences to the families of the persons who lost their lives to landslides in Taplejung on Thursday. He tweeted: “Condolences to the family of deceased in Taplejung landslide. Wish speedy recovery of injured. Have asked for prompt recovery and relief.” Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam said his ministry has stepped up search, rescue and relief operations. “Six helicopters are on standby,” he told a meeting of the Social Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Legislature-Parliament held in Singha Durbar. Read more:  58 feared dead in Taplejung landslides Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, Spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the government would give top priority to search and rescue operation in the landslide-hit areas. “The government will announce long-term relief package and assistance for the victims’ families, homeless and displaced after the ongoing search and rescue operation is over,” he told The Himalayan Times.