At least four people died and three others have been missing in flash floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall at Gejbazaar in Kotwada VDC-5 on Thursday night.

Police identified the deceased as Dhanamati Tamata, 50, of Seuna-2; Hari BK, 30, of Seuna- 5; Sudishma Bam, 5, of Thirpu-6; and Laxman Bhandari, 20, of Dhaulagoha-9.

According to the District Police Office, Sanjite Tamata, 52, of Seuna-2; Maniram Jaisi of Raku-1 and two-month-old Abhishek Sarki of Gotri in Bajura have been missing in the debris.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Kishan Singh Budal said six people sustained serious injuries as they were trapped in the landslide. “The floods and landslides destroyed 20 houses, partially damaging 52 others,” said Budal, estimating that property worth Rs20.7 million was lost.

Chief District Officer Pradip Shrestha said the continued rains had swept the soil off the Kotwada hill. “The flooded river entered the settlement and deposited debris there,” said Shrestha. The people are facing a water shortage after the supply lines were severed.

The incident site is a two-hour walk from Manma, the district headquarters of Kalikot. After rainfall, the Surkhet-Jumla road has been obstructed. Vehicles have been stranded due to landslides at nearly two dozen places.