Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Dilendra Prasad Badu made commitment to immediately introduce relief and rescue package for landslide survivors in Darchula. Minister Badu, who arrived in his home district Darchula inspected the flood and landslide-ravaged areas, pledged to bring relief package in the first phase. Minister Badu along with province ministers Dr Rana Bahadur Rawal and Man Bahadur Dhami had made on-site inspection of the disaster-hit sites at Mahakali Municipality-4, Bangabagad. After inspection, the team said first temporary residence would be arranged for the survivors before taking ahead other process. The team comprising federal minister and provincial ministers had reached Darchula with relief materials including tent, foodstuffs and blankets for immediate relief.
Talking to RSS at Dhangadhi airport after the inspection, Minister for Internal Affairs Dr Rawal said, “The province government is immediately providing Rs 100,000 each to the families of the deceased. Preparation is being made to render relief to the flood and landslide survivors without leaving any stone unturned”. At least five people have lost their lives while 10 have gone missing in the landslide. Eight locals have sustained injuries. The flood-fed Lasku rivulet and Mahakali river and landslide occurred at Naugad had caused huge loss to the lives and properties. Minister Badu directed the authorities concerned to carry out all-out efforts to provide relief to the disaster-hit people. Flood occurred in the Lasku rivulet had caused big loss to the entire family of Dhan Singh Karki- who has been running business at Mahakali Municipality-3, Duduri. Body of his wife Manmati Karki was so far found nearby Mahakali municiplaity-5, confirmed Police Inspector at District Police Office, Darchula, Jagat Gahamagar. Dhan Singh and his both sons Deepak and Diensh are still at large.
Inspector Gahamagar further informed that 77-year-old Nandaram Bohora of Mahakali municipality-2 was found dead after buried in his home. Other family members could manage to escape the incident but the old man could not. Among other deceased identified are Janaki Thagunna, 37, of Naugad rural municipality-1, Salla, 13-year-old Dhanuli Thagunna and Mohanram Parki, 68, of ward 2. Likewise, those missing in the landslide are Dhansingh Karki, Deepak Karki, Diensh Karki of Mahakali municiplaity-3; Saraswoti Luhar and Mohan Luhar of ward 4; Manmati Shahu of ward 2; Manju Luhar, Dinesh Luhar, Sahan Luhar and Daljeet Luhar of ward 1. The Nepal Army’s helicopter and air ambulance had rescued the injured people from Mahakali municipality and Naugad rural municipality. The army helicopter had also transported relief materials for the survivors in both the local level. Relief was distributed to the needy people in coordination with local level and Nepal Red Cross Society.