Landslide in Nepal

Ten people have been confirmed killed in a landslide in the Sindhupalchowk District of Nepal and over a hundred more are believed lost. The landslide occurred on 02 August 2014 following heavy rain.

Landslides are common in Nepal during this time of year, when rain falls on the nation's mountainous terrain. But this landslide brought debris and rocks down on Mankha village, burying dozens of houses and 159 people. Despite search efforts, by 04 August rescue workers announced that there was no longer any hope of saving the 159 missing victims.

The landslide has blocked part of the Araniko Highway; an important, but notoriously dangerous, route which leads to Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu. Rescue workers have been cutting temporary routes through the debris in order to get supplies through to the victims of the landslide.

Of great concern is the landslide's impact on Sunkoshi River. Debris from the landslide also blocked part of this river and formed a growing lake. It was feared that the lake would burst through the debris and the excess water flood villages along the river and even into neighbouring India. 100,000 people were evacuated in India due to concerns over the potential flood, but in Nepal the army has carefully been clearing debris on the river and slowly letting the water through so that it does not flood. While there are still concerns over potential flooding, it has been reported that the water level is dropping.

Five hundred tourists were additionally left stranded by the landslide. Hiking in the mountains when the landslide occurred, their guides brought the tourists safely to Tatopani town where they were later rescued on 04 August.

Emergency workers and soldiers are working together to treat the wounded in Sindhupalchowk district, to salvage what remains from the landslide, and to recover the bodies of its victims.