Tragic Landslide in Nepal: 63 Missing as Buses Swept Into Trishuli River

Early this morning, a devastating landslide on the Madan-Ashrit Highway in Nepal tragically swept two buses, carrying a total of 63 people, into the raging Trishuli River. The incident involving the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and Ganpati Deluxe occurred around 3:30 am amid heavy rainfall in the region. Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav of Chitwan confirmed to ANI that the buses were travelling along the highway when the landslide struck, pushing them off the road and into the river below. A frantic search operation is currently underway, hindered by incessant rain complicating rescue efforts.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has directed all government agencies to prioritize the search and rescue of the passengers involved in this tragic accident. The Nepali Army has been actively involved in the rescue operations, sharing videos of their efforts.

Meanwhile, due to ongoing inclement weather, all flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur have been cancelled for the day. This decision underscores the challenging conditions that Nepalese authorities are facing as they respond to multiple incidents of landslides and floods triggered by the monsoon rains. Since the start of the monsoon season, Nepal has recorded a total of 62 fatalities and 90 injuries from these natural disasters. The impact includes extensive property damage, with over 120 houses inundated and 80 others damaged, displacing more than 1,000 households across various regions of the country.