KATHMANDU, Nepal—A tragic incident occurred in central Nepal early Friday when a landslide swept two passenger buses carrying over 50 people into a swollen river. Despite the challenging conditions caused by continuous rain and additional landslides, rescue efforts were underway to locate and save any survivors.
Although three individuals managed to swim to safety, the buses had likely been submerged and carried downstream by the fast-flowing Trishuli River. The murky brown waters, a result of heavy monsoon rains in recent days, further hindered visibility of the wreckage.
Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane informed parliament that 51 passengers were missing, prompting the deployment of over 500 rescue personnel to aid in the search operation.
In other parts of the country, 17 people lost their lives and three sustained injuries due to landslides within the past 24 hours, according to Lamichhane.
The buses were en route on a crucial highway linking the capital to southern regions of Nepal when the incident occurred near Simaltal, approximately 120 kilometers west of Kathmandu.
Multiple landslides obstructed routes to the area, with government administrator Khima Nanada Bhusal stating that additional rescuers and security forces were dispatched to assist in the rescue mission. Search efforts involved police and army personnel using rubber rafts, as well as divers equipped with scuba gear, as reported by Chitwan district police.
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The survivors, who managed to escape the buses, were receiving medical treatment in the hospital, as confirmed by Mr. Bhusal. Local residents discovered them on the river banks after they jumped out of the bus.
Another bus on the same highway was struck by a separate landslide on Friday morning, resulting in the death of the driver. The extent of other potential casualties was yet to be determined.
Expressing sorrow over the recent flooding and landslides, Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal mentioned that various government agencies were actively involved in the search for the missing individuals.
Tragically, a landslide overnight claimed the lives of a family of seven near Pokhara, a popular resort town. The sleeping family was caught off guard as the landslide destroyed their hut and damaged neighboring houses.
The monsoon season, lasting from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to Nepal, often triggering landslides in its mountainous landscape.
As a precautionary measure, the government has restricted night-time travel for passenger buses in areas where weather alerts have been issued, as per the Home Ministry.
By Binaj Gurubcharya
