A couple died in a landslide at Khoraypam near the Pema Gatshel town earlier today while their one-year-old daughter is still missing. The hut they were living in was swept away by the landslide.
A massive landslide hit the area where the two-apartment hut was situated between 4 and 5 AM today. While the family lived in one apartment, the other apartment was occupied by a 22-year-old man. They were all swept down by the landslide. The 37-year-old father and the 22-year-old man was evacuated to the hospital. However, the father died after reaching the hospital. The 22-year-old man is reported to be in stable condition.
The Search team comprising the police, Desuups, Dzongkhag officials, Red Cross and local volunteers recovered the body of the 17-year-old mother more than four hours after the landslide. They are still looking for the missing toddler.
The family is from Drametse Gewog in Monggar. Their relatives have been informed.
Fearing another landslide, the family of six living next to the washed away hut has gone to live with their relatives. Their house also sustained minor damages from the earlier disaster.
Meanwhile, with the monsoon wreaking havocs across the country, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement, earlier today, cautioning everyone.
“Ours is a geologically fragile country and monsoon spells disaster if we are not careful. With predictions of more rain in the coming days, I write this to remind you all to maintain utmost caution. Please be more responsible and take care of yourself and your family,” the Prime Minister.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
