Kathamndu : The identities of five yarsagumba collectors who went missing in an avalanche at Bholum Danda in Byas Rural Municipality-1 Changru of Darchula have been established.

Among the missing, three are from Doti Budar and two are residents of Dunhu Rural Municipality, the police said.

An avalanche destroyed the tent where the yarsa collector was staying on Tuesday afternoon. Among those buried, seven people were rescued alive by the security personnel yesterday and brought to Changru.

According to Inspector Gyanendra Singh, spokesperson of the District Police Office (Darchula), 45-year-old Nakni Dolma Thapa of Jorayal Rural Municipality-2 Budar in Doti, 28-year-old Ishwari Thapa and 15-year-old Kshimi Somo Thapa of the same place are missing.

Similarly, 38-year-old Kamala Kunwar and 18-year-old Prabinn Kunwar of Dunhu Rural Municipality-4 also went missing in the avalanche.

It is snowing continuously in the area. Despite having thick snow and darkness, the joint team of the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police team that went from Changru yesterday evening rescued seven people and returned.

Police Inspector Singh informed that the team will go to the incident site again today.