KATHMANDU, May 3 (NNN-XINHUA) – Five people, including four women, have remained missing, after they were buried in an avalanche yesterday afternoon, in Darchula district, in far-western Nepal, a local official said.
Initially, as many as 12 people were reported missing, after the avalanche struck at 14:45 local time, but seven made contact with the local administration later.
“Five people are still missing. We’re still unaware of their whereabouts. A team of rescuers have reached the incident site,” Kiran Joshi, the chief district officer, said.
The rescue operation has been affected by rainfall and snowfall, she said, adding, “We’re planning to send a helicopter for the rescue operation tomorrow (today), if the weather improves.”
The locals were collecting yarsagumba, a caterpillar fungus, when they were struck by the avalanche, the official noted.– NNN-XINHUA
