The dead bodies of three persons, who were hit by an avalanche in Mugu district while collecting Yarsagumba, a valuable alpine herb, have been found after more than a month.

The deceased have been identified as Punna Singh Sarki, aged 38, Tara Singh Sarki, aged 40 and Bir Bahadur Bohora, aged 35 – all local residents of Patarasi-2, Jumla.

According to Mohan Bahadur Thapa, Chief District Officer of Mugu, the deceased were separated from a group of 15 Jumla locals who went to the Mugu to collect Yarsagumba.

“Tara and Bir had survived the incident and contacted us, informing that they have spotted the body of Purna,” said Thapa.

A rescue team was dispatched to the incident site, however, rescuers couldn’t find them in time due to lack of resources and equipment required for high-altitude rescue work.

The bodies of the deceased will be handed over to their relatives after an autopsy, police informed.