Kathmandu, July 12, 2024 — In a tragic incident early this morning, a landslide on the Madan-Ashrit Highway in Nepal swept two buses carrying 63 people into the Trishuli River. The calamity, which involved the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and Ganpati Deluxe, occurred around 3:30 am amid heavy rainfall in the region.
Incident Overview
Indradev Yadav, Chief District Officer of Chitwan, reported that the buses were traveling along the highway when the landslide struck, pushing them off the road and into the raging river below. “As per the preliminary information, both the buses were carrying a total of 63 people, including the bus drivers. The landslide swept the buses at around 3:30 am. We are at the incident site, and a search operation is underway. Incessant rain is hampering our efforts to search for the missing buses,” Yadav confirmed to ANI.
Government Response
Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as ‘Prachanda,’ has directed all government agencies to prioritize the search and rescue efforts for 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 agencies of the government, including the home administration, to search and effectively rescue the passengers,” Dahal posted on social media platform X.
Adverse Weather Conditions
The weather in the region remains inclement, further complicating rescue operations. All flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur have been canceled for the day, as reported by ANI.
Monsoon Season Impact
Since the onset of the monsoon season, Nepal has experienced severe weather-related incidents, resulting in the deaths of at least 62 people and injuries to 90 others, according to home ministry officials. Landslides have claimed 34 lives, while floods have resulted in 28 deaths. Seven individuals remain missing due to these natural disasters. The heavy rains have caused significant property damage, with at least 121 houses inundated and 82 others damaged. A total of 1,058 households have been displaced across the country.
Conclusion
The tragic landslide has underscored the urgent need for robust disaster management and response strategies in Nepal. As rescue teams continue their search operations amidst challenging weather conditions, the nation’s thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families.
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