Over 60 Feared Missing After Landslide Sweeps Buses in Central Nepal

A devastating landslide on the Madan-Ashrit Highway in Central Nepal has left at least 63 people missing, as two buses were swept into the Trishuli River. Incessant rains are hampering rescue efforts, with Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel on the ground searching for survivors.

At least five dozen people are suspected to be missing after a landslide along the Madan-Ashrit Highway in Central Nepal swept two passenger buses into the Trishuli River early Friday morning, officials report.

"According to preliminary information, both buses were carrying a total of 63 people, including the drivers. The landslide swept the buses at around 3:30 AM. We are at the incident site, and a search operation is underway. Incessant rain is hampering our efforts to search for the missing buses," Indradev Yadav, Chief District Officer of Chitwan, confirmed over the phone. The landslide swept the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and the Ganpati Deluxe bus, heading from Kathmandu to Gaur in Rautahat. Official reports suggest there were 24 people on the bus heading to Kathmandu and 41 on the other bus.

Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed his sorrow on social media: "I am deeply saddened by reports of about five dozen passengers missing when a bus was washed away by a landslide on the Narayangadh-Muglin road section and the loss of properties due to floods and landslides in various parts of the country. I direct all government agencies, including the home administration, to search and effectively rescue the passengers." All flights from Kathmandu to Chitwan's Bharatpur have been cancelled as the weather remains grim.

Three passengers on the Ganpati Deluxe managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle. Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel are heading to the incident sites for rescue operations, said Superintendent of Police Bhawesh Rimal. Debris from landslides at various places has obstructed traffic on the Narayanghat-Mugling road section. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)