Three yarsa collectors die in Mugu avalanche

Jumla: Three persons of Jumla district were swept to death by an avalanche that hit a highland in Mugu on Saturday.

Three of the 14 people who had gone from Patarasi to collect yarsagumba died, said Janamaya Rokaya, vice-chairperson of Patarasi rural municipality of Jumla. They lost their lives on the spot after being hit by the avalanche, he added.

The deceased have been identified as Tara Singh Sarki (40) Punna Sarki (36) and Bir Bohora (36) of Patarasi rural municipality-2. Others sustained minor injuries, with two people unhurt.

A police team has already rushed to the spot. Vice-chair Rokaya informed that they have requested the District Administration Office, state government and federal government of Mugu to rescue the yarsa collectors.

Sudarshan Panthi, acting Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, said a team of police has already been dispatched to the spot after receiving the news of avalanche. An investigation is underway to ascertain whether the avalanche was caused by landslide or other reasons, he added.

As per the notice by the rural municipality, the entry permit to collect yarsagumba (a herbal fungus) will start from May 18. But hundreds of people have already reached the meadows of Mugu district via another route by evading that notice.