A devastating landslide on the Madan-Ashrit Highway in Nepal has left 63 people feared missing after two buses were swept into the Trishuli River early this morning. The incident occurred around 3:30 am amidst heavy rainfall, which has been causing havoc in the region.
According to Indradev Yadav, Chief District Officer of Chitwan, the buses were traveling from Madan to Kathmandu when the landslide struck, pushing them off the road and into the river. The buses, identified as the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and Ganpati Deluxe, were carrying 63 people, including the drivers.
A search operation is underway, but incessant rain is hindering efforts to locate the missing buses. Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has directed all government agencies to search and rescue the passengers. “I am deeply saddened by the reports of about five dozen passengers that are missing after the buses were washed away by a landslide,” Dahal posted on social media.
The Nepali Army has shared a video of the search operation, which is ongoing. Meanwhile, all flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur have been cancelled for the day due to inclement weather.
Since the onset of the monsoon season, at least 62 people have been killed, and 90 others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents in Nepal. Landslides have claimed 34 lives, while floods have taken 28 lives. Seven individuals are reported missing due to these natural calamities. The heavy rains have caused 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.
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