Tragic Landslide in Nepal Sweeps Away Two Buses, 65 Feared Missing

At least 65 people, including seven Indian nationals, are missing after two buses were swept away by a landslide and into a swollen river in Nepal. Authorities confirm the buses were en route to different destinations when the tragedy occurred. Rescue operations are underway.

In a tragic incident, at least 65 people are feared missing after two buses were swept away by a landslide in Nepal. Among the missing are seven Indian nationals, according to media reports.

The two buses, carrying a combined total of 65 passengers, plunged into the swollen Trishuli River following a landslide in the Simaltal area along the Narayanghat-Mugling road in Chitwan district, as per reports from myRepublica news portal.

Chitwan's Chief District Officer, Indradev Yadav, confirmed the incident, noting that the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and the Ganpati Deluxe, which was headed to Gaur, met with the accident around 3:30 am. Out of the total 65 passengers, 24 were on the bus to Kathmandu and 41 on the bus to Gaur.

Remarkably, three passengers on the Ganpati Deluxe managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle, reported The Kathmandu Post. Police disclosed that 21 passengers, including seven Indian nationals, were on the Angel Deluxe bus traveling from Birgunj to Kathmandu.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' expressed deep sorrow over the incident and instructed all governmental agencies to conduct immediate search and rescue operations. Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel are currently heading to the scene to clear the landslide debris and rescue any possible survivors.

The Narayanghat-Mugling road section remains heavily obstructed by landslide debris. This incident comes on the heels of another calamity in the Kaski district, where landslides and floods caused by incessant rain claimed the lives of at least 11 people.

Such natural disasters have notably increased, with over 1,800 people losing their lives in the past decade due to monsoon-related incidents in Nepal.

(With inputs from agencies.)