Dozens Missing After Landslide Sweeps Buses Into River in Nepal

More than 60 individuals are unaccounted for following a tragic incident where a landslide engulfed two passenger buses, hurtling them into a river swollen by monsoon rains in central Nepal. The devastating event occurred in the early hours of Friday along a road connecting Chitwan and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

According to Nepal Police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki, the buses, operated by Angel Bus and Ganapati Deluxe, were swept into the Trishuli River by the force of the landslide. The Angel Bus was en route to Kathmandu, while the Ganapati Deluxe bus was traveling to Rautahat from the capital. The buses collectively carried 24 and 41 passengers, respectively. Tragically, only three passengers from the Rautahat-bound bus managed to escape by jumping off before it plunged into the river.

Rescue efforts involving teams from the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Police were swiftly mobilized to the scene. Despite the valiant efforts of the rescuers, no passengers have been rescued or recovered as of yet. The search has been hindered by additional challenges, such as the initial blockage caused by the landslide debris and the rising water levels in the river due to continuous heavy rainfall.

This year’s monsoon season in Nepal has been particularly deadly, with the country facing increased vulnerability to climate change-related disasters. Earlier this month, floods and landslides claimed the lives of at least 15 people within 24 hours. Additionally, a separate landslide incident in Pokhara resulted in the tragic deaths of 11 individuals, including seven members of a single family.

According to the Nepalese agency responsible for disaster management and risk reduction, the total death toll from monsoon-related incidents, including landslides, floods, and lightning strikes, has reached 88 people thus far. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of late-night bus journeys during the monsoon season, prompting discussions on potentially adjusting bus operation schedules to mitigate risks.

Tragically, these devastating events in Nepal coincide with a time of political turbulence, as Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal faces a critical parliamentary vote that could potentially lead to the downfall of his government.