Seven Indian nationals were killed in rain-stricken Nepal after two passenger buses were carried away in a major landslide and pushed off the road into a swollen river early Friday.
Two buses carrying 65 passengers fall into river Trishuli after landslide
According to Nepalese news portal myrepublica, the two buses were transporting 65 passengers who are believed to be lost in the river Trishuli following a landslide at Simaltal along the Narayanghat-Mugling road in Chitwan district.
One of the busses transporting the seven Indians who died was travelling from Birgunj to Kathmandu. Road department officials had closed the Narayanghat-Kathmandu road for 15 days due to the possibility of landslides caused by heavy rains. Despite this, traffic was restored.
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Landslide caused by incessant rain in Nepal
Landslides have occurred in several locations across Nepal as a result of severe rainfall over the last few days, forcing the closure of several roads and highways.
“The buses were on the highway when the landslide hit, driving them off the road and into the river below. Both buses carried a total of 65 passengers, including the drivers. We are currently at the incident scene, and a search is underway. However, the constant rain is impeding our efforts to locate the missing buses,” Chitwan’s Chief District Officer, Indradev Yadav, told ANI.
Rescue operation underway to search other passengers
Rescue operations were impeded at times by heavy rainfall in the region, as debris from the landslide clogged traffic on the Narayanghat-Mugling route.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, expressed his “deep sadness” over the disaster and urged government officials to seek for and rescue the passengers.
Nepal Police and armed forces officers were there at the scene to assist in rescue operations.
