Two killed in landslide-induced building collapse in Bhojpur

BHOJPUR: After five continuous days of rainfall, landslides have caused buildings to collapse, killing two in Bhojpur district.

Jagat Bahadur Rai, 66, of Basikhor in Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality-7 was killed while sleeping after being buried by the wall of his house, stated Police Inspector at Bhojpur District Police Office, Pandav Rajbanshi.

Similarly, Janak BK, 14, of Lekharka in Tyamkemaiyum Rural Municipality-9 was killed on the spot after a landslide buried him while in the toilet, said Anil Kumar Rai, a local.

Police teams are further investigating both incident sites, stated the police. Due to heavy rainfall, both land and air transportation have been shut down in Bhojpur.

The District Disaster Management Committee along with the emergency work operation centre have advised people to be on high alert as the rain has caused cracks on the ground and the water level in the rivers have also increased creating a high danger situation.

According to the Chief District Officer and chair of the District Disaster Management Committee, Noor Hari Khatiwada, concerned entities have been requested to manage adequate resources keeping in mind further potential disasters. There have been reports of multiple houses being in danger of floods and landslides in the district headquarters as well as rural villages. There have also been major blockages in both Hile-Bhojpur road and other rural roads.

Vehicles have gotten stuck in landslides on the Parkhibas-Leguwa road section of the main road leading to Bhojpur. Similarly, there has also been a landslide at Gajurmukhi Bhir of Bhainsipakha.

"Locals must stay on high alert to conduct searches and provide aid for victims while also paying attention to their own safety," stated CDO Khatiwada. People have also been requested to immediately report any untoward incident to the district emergency centre.