Noida 23 August 2024 – In a tragic incident, four Nepali laborers lost their lives in a landslide in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, occurred on 22 August, engulfing the workers who were engaged in road construction activities in the hilly region.
Details of the Incident
The landslide took place in the area of Pithoragarh, a district known for its rugged terrain and susceptibility to landslides during the monsoon season. The four laborers, all of whom were from Nepal, were working on a road construction project when the hillside gave way. The debris buried them under tons of rock and mud, leaving them with no chance of survival.
Local residents and fellow workers immediately launched a rescue operation, but their efforts were hampered by the continuous rain and the instability of the surrounding terrain. Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams were eventually able to recover the bodies of the victims.
Victims Identified
The deceased labourers have been identified as all hailing from different regions of Nepal. They had come to Uttarakhand seeking employment and were engaged in infrastructure development projects in the state. Their deaths have cast a pall of sorrow over the migrant worker community in the area, many of whom have expressed deep concern over the safety conditions at such work sites.
Response from Authorities
The Uttarakhand government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and has announced compensation for the next of kin. “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to the families of the deceased. We are taking steps to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future,” said, a senior official from the Pithoragarh district administration.
The authorities have also initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the landslide, with a focus on assessing the safety measures in place at the construction site. The continuous rainfall in the region has exacerbated the risk of landslides, prompting calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols in vulnerable areas.
Nepali Embassy’s Involvement
The Embassy of Nepal in India has been informed about the incident and is coordinating with local authorities to assist in repatriating the bodies of the deceased to their home country. “We are in close contact with the Uttarakhand government and are providing all necessary support to ensure that the families of the victims receive proper assistance during this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the Nepali Embassy.
Ongoing Risks in the Region
Landslides are a common occurrence in Uttarakhand, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall can destabilize the mountainous terrain. The state’s hilly districts, including Pithoragarh, are particularly prone to such natural disasters, posing significant risks to both residents and those working in these areas.
