Army helicopter rescues stranded people, pregnant women

By Prem Adhikari,Pashupatinagar, Oct. 7: An army helicopter rescued several people stranded by floods and landslides in Ilam on Monday after they could not be reached by foot.

Among those rescued were a pregnant woman, Bidya Rai and her husband, Ram Kumar Rai, from Maijogmai Rural Municipality–5, Soyang. 

Another pregnant woman, Kamala Devi Rai and her husband from Sandakpur Rural Municipality–1, Chhage, were also airlifted by the Nepal Army and taken to B and C Hospital in Jhapa for treatment.

Earlier on Monday morning, four individuals had been rescued by helicopter from Mauwa in Ilam after road access was blocked due to landslides. 

According to Colonel Pralhad Ghale, Chief of the Nepal Army’s Ranshardul Battalion based in Gadithumka, the air rescue was carried out because ground routes were impassable.

Chief District Officer (CDO) Sunita Nepal said that the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police have been actively involved in search, rescue and relief operations across the district.

At least 37 people have lost their lives in Ilam following the devastating floods and landslides triggered by continuous rainfall since Saturday night. 

Power supply remains cut off and the Mechi Highway has been blocked by landslides, isolating several parts of the district.