Nepal Landslide: 7 Indians Died As Buses Swept Away Into River

A devastating landslide along the Narayanghat-Mugling road in Chitwan district of Nepal early Friday morning resulted in a tragic loss of seven Indian nationals. Two passenger buses, carrying a total of 65 passengers, were swept away by the landslide and plunged into the swollen Trishuli River.

A landslide swept two buses carrying an estimated 63 passengers, on Madan-Ashrit Highway in Central Nepal into the Trishuli River, this morning.

(Source: Road Division Office, Bharatpur, Nepal) https://t.co/1LZ1qYcXcQ pic.twitter.com/1xSFDB5uZY

— ANI (@ANI) July 12, 2024

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Reports  indicated that the buses, traveling from Birgunj to Kathmandu, were among the vehicles affected by the landslide at Simaltal area. Despite warnings and a 15-day closure of the Narayanghat-Kathmandu road due to landslide risks exacerbated by heavy rainfall, traffic had resumed.

Chief District Officer of Chitwan, Indradev Yadav, stated, 'The buses were traveling along the highway when the landslide struck, pushing them off the road into the river below. We are conducting a search operation at the site, but the continuous rainfall is impeding our efforts to locate the missing buses.'

Rescue operations faced challenges due to inclement weather conditions, with ongoing heavy rainfall in the region complicating efforts. Debris from the landslide also obstructed traffic on the Narayanghat-Mugling road section.

Expressing condolences, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda conveyed deep sorrow over the incident and directed swift action by government agencies to locate and rescue passengers. Nepal Police and armed forces personnel were deployed to the scene to assist in the rescue efforts.

The tragic incident highlights the dangers posed by landslides during the monsoon season in Nepal, where heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and forced closures of several key roads and highways across the country.

For further updates on the rescue operations and recovery efforts, stay tuned to ANI for the latest developments on this unfolding tragedy.