At least 65 passengers, including seven Indian nationals, are believed to be missing after two buses were swept away by a landslide into the Trishuli River in Nepal's Chitwan district early on Thursday.
The landslide, triggered by heavy rains, occurred in the Simaltal area along the Narayanghat-Mugling road.
Chief District Officer of Chitwan, Indradev Yadav, confirmed the incident.
According to Yadav, the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and Ganpati Deluxe bus, traveling to Gaur, were caught in the landslide around 3:30 am.
"The two buses were swept away into the swollen Trishuli River," Yadav reported.
The buses were carrying 65 passengers in total, with 24 on the Angel bus and 41 on the Ganpati Deluxe bus.
The myRepublica news portal quoted officials saying that three passengers from the Ganpati Deluxe bus managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle before it was dragged into the river. However, the fate of the remaining passengers remains uncertain.
Among the missing are seven Indian nationals identified as Santosh Thakur, Surendra Sah, Adit Miyaan, Sunil, Shahnawaj Alam, and Ansari, with one more unidentified. The Angel bus, traveling from Birgunj to Kathmandu, carried these Indian passengers.
Rescue operations have commenced with Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel deployed to the site.
Superintendent of Police Bhawesh Rimal stated that efforts are underway to clear the landslide debris and search for survivors.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' expressed his sorrow over the incident and issued directives for immediate search and rescue operations. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of nearly five dozen passengers and the loss of property due to floods and landslides in different parts of the country.
I direct all agencies of the government, including the home administration, to search and effectively rescue the passengers," Prachanda posted on X=.
He also urged citizens to take necessary precautions during the ongoing monsoon season, which has been particularly harsh this year. In addition to the bus incident, at least 11 people have died in separate landslides and floods in Kaski district on Thursday.
Monsoon disasters have claimed more than 1,800 lives in Nepal over the past decade. Around 400 people have gone missing, and over 1,500 have been injured due to such natural calamities during this period.
The Narayanghat-Mugling road section, crucial for transportation, has been frequently obstructed by debris from landslides, causing significant disruptions.
The relentless rain has exacerbated the vulnerability of the region, with infrastructure being continually tested by natural forces.
The government has been urged to strengthen its disaster management systems to prevent further tragedies.
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