A 64-year-old woman in Nepal, Chandika Shrestha, was rescued alive from her partially buried home after being trapped for more than 10 days. The dramatic moment was captured on video, showing emergency responders pulling her from the mud-covered structure in the Sankhuwasabha district. Shrestha was airlifted to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention. The incident highlights the devastating impact of recent landslides in the region, which have displaced families and claimed lives.

Key takeaways

  • Chandika Shrestha survived over 10 days buried in her home in Nepal's Sankhuwasabha district.
  • Landslides caused by heavy rains have devastated rural areas, leaving communities in urgent need of aid.
  • Rescuers successfully airlifted Shrestha to a hospital, where she is receiving treatment.
  • The incident underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions like Nepal.

Background

Nepal faces annual challenges from monsoon-triggered landslides, which often affect rural and mountainous communities. Due to its geography, the country is particularly prone to natural disasters, exacerbated by deforestation and unregulated construction. This year’s monsoon season has been especially destructive, with heavy rainfall causing widespread devastation in areas like Sankhuwasabha, where homes were buried under mud and debris.

What happened

Chandika Shrestha was found alive after spending over 10 days trapped in her house, which had been submerged under mud following a landslide. Rescuers worked tirelessly to extract her from the wreckage after hearing faint sounds from within. The video of her rescue shows her being carefully pulled out and placed on a stretcher before being airlifted to the hospital for treatment. The search operation, part of broader disaster relief efforts, has been ongoing in areas hit by the landslides.

Why it matters

Shrestha's survival is an extraordinary story of resilience, but it also highlights the scale of the disaster in Nepal. Landslides triggered by heavy rains have claimed lives, displaced families, and destroyed infrastructure in vulnerable areas. With climate change intensifying weather patterns, such incidents are expected to become more frequent, stressing the need for effective disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. The rescue operation also draws attention to the heroic efforts of emergency workers in saving lives under challenging conditions.

What happens next

Shrestha remains under medical care, and her condition is being closely monitored by hospital staff. Meanwhile, local authorities and aid organizations are continuing relief efforts in Sankhuwasabha and other affected areas. The focus now is on providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to displaced families, as well as assessing long-term needs for rebuilding and disaster mitigation strategies.

Frequently asked questions

How was Shrestha found alive after 10 days?

Rescue workers heard faint sounds from inside her mud-buried home and initiated a careful excavation. Her survival is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including access to air pockets and her resilience.

How severe are the landslides in Nepal this year?

The recent monsoon has triggered numerous landslides in rural areas, causing significant loss of life, property damage, and displacements. Some regions, including Sankhuwasabha, are among the worst affected.

What measures are being taken to prevent future disasters?

Nepalese authorities are working to improve early warning systems, enforce better land-use policies, and ensure disaster preparedness in vulnerable areas. However, challenges remain due to geographic and economic constraints.

Bottom line

Chandika Shrestha’s rescue is a rare story of survival amid Nepal’s devastating landslides, which have left many communities in crisis. Reporting by BBC News.

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