Lagatar24 Desk
Kathmandu: A devastating landslide on the Madan-Ashrit Highway early this morning swept two buses, carrying a total of 63 people, into the Trishuli River. The incident occurred around 3:30 am amid heavy rainfall, involving the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and Ganpati Deluxe.
Chief District Officer of Chitwan, Indradev Yadav, reported to ANI that the buses were traveling along the highway when the landslide struck, pushing them off the road and into the raging river below.
“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 currently at the incident site, and a search operation is underway. Incessant rain is hampering our efforts to locate the missing buses,” Yadav confirmed to ANI.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has directed all government agencies to prioritize the search and rescue of the passengers.
“I am deeply saddened by the reports of about five dozen passengers missing after the buses were washed away by a landslide on the Narayangadh-Muglin road section and the loss of properties due to floods and landslides in different parts of the country. I direct all government agencies, including the home administration, to search and effectively rescue the passengers,” Dahal posted on X.
Due to the severe weather, all flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur have been cancelled for the day, according to ANI.
The onset of the monsoon season has wreaked havoc across Nepal. At least 62 people have been killed, and 90 others injured in rain-related incidents, according to home ministry officials. Landslides have claimed 34 lives, while floods resulting from incessant rains have caused 28 deaths. Additionally, seven individuals remain missing due to these natural calamities.
The heavy rains have led to substantial property damage, with at least 121 houses inundated and 82 others damaged. The natural disasters have displaced a total of 1,058 households across the country.
As rescue operations continue amidst challenging weather conditions, the country remains on high alert to mitigate further losses and provide aid to affected families.
