The death toll from a landslide in Rolpa has risen to three, with nine people still missing after heavy rain sent a torrent of mud and debris down a hillside in Thabang Rural Municipality-5 on Wednesday night.

The landslide struck Kotlabara at around 8:40 pm, burying houses, shops and cattle sheds where about seven families lived. Two people were seriously injured and rescued from the debris.

The latest death was that of 71-year-old Manarkhi Pun Magar, whose body was recovered from the debris on Thursday. The other victims were 18-year-old Shanti Pun Magar and 60-year-old Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar, according to the Lumbini Province Police Office.

The nine people still missing have been identified as 40-year-old Jun Kumari Pun Magar, nine-year-old Ashim Pun Magar, six-year-old Ashok Pun Magar, 75-year-old Dal Bahadur Pun Magar, 80-year-old Ajambar Pun Magar, 78-year-old Bal Bahadur Pun Magar, 72-year-old Lil Bahadur Pun Magar, 71-year-old Mani Pun Magar and 67-year-old Hastakala Roka Magar.

The injured, 22-year-old Himal Pun Magar and 25-year-old Sanjay Gharti Magar, were pulled from the debris by police and local residents and taken towards Sulaichaur for treatment.

The Area Police Office in Uwa was alerted at around 9:30 pm. A police team reached the site at about 10:15 pm and continued the search through the night. Rescue efforts resumed early Thursday as security personnel and residents worked to clear debris and locate those still missing.

Local health worker Bimarsh Gharti Magar said the steep and difficult terrain was hampering rescue efforts and making it difficult to reach the injured and those believed to be trapped.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Pancha Kumar Bakhu, Rolpa police chief, said the search and rescue operation was continuing and that more details would become available as rescuers made progress.

The landslide struck an area about 80 kilometres northeast of Liwang, the district headquarters. The Uwa area is considered highly vulnerable to landslides. A landslide in a nearby village several years ago killed at least six people.

The story has been updated.