RUKKUM: Fourteen laborers deployed for the construction of rural road at Pelma village in Putha Uttarganga Rural Muncipality-2 have been stranded in the snow for the past five days.

The workers are stuck in the site after the snowfall occurred on 28 and 29 December, but the locals noticed the case only on Sunday.

Manram Jhankri, a local level representative, said 10 men and four women were stuck after the snowfall and have been taking shelter in a cave.

Jok Prasad Buda, Aunsi Budha, Bishal Budha, Dayalakh Kami, Ramjit Kami, Jani Budha, Krishna Budha, Dipak Kami, Sunil Jhankri, Jundevi Jhankri, Pem Bahadur Kami, Bahadur Budha, Nabin Budha and Nanten Pun are residing in a cave for five days due to snowfall. They are having hardship as the stock of foodstuffs had ended.

Chief District Officer of Rukum Purba Laxmi Prasad Banskota said that efforts were initiated for their rescue as the administration was informed only on Sunday.

The Home Ministry was urged to send a helicopter for the rescue operation of the trapped laborers, Banskota shared.