Nepal landslide buries sleeping villagers

KATHMANDU — A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall buried at least 21 people and left dozens missing as they were sleeping at night in six villages in Nepal’s mountainous northeast, officials said Thursday. Rescuers dug out bodies and searched the rubble for survivors in Taplejung district, 500 kilometres east of the capital, Kathmandu, said police official Shanti Raj. At least 24 people are missing but the number could be higher, he said. The weather improved, allowing a rescue helicopter to reach the area and evacuate eight injured people. The nearest town is at least five hours’ away on foot when the weather is good, but rain and fog made the going tough for rescuers on Thursday.