7 Indians among 65 missing after massive landslide in Central Nepal sweeps two buses, rescue ops underway

• Image Credit: Google

• Jul 12, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

Among the missing individuals are seven Indian nationals, strengthening the urgency of the rescue operations...

Digital Desk: A devastating landslide in Central Nepal on Friday morning has resulted in at least 65 people being reported missing after two passenger buses were swept into the swollen Trishuli River. This tragic incident occurred in the Simaltal area along the Narayanghat-Mugling road in the Chitwan district, raising immediate concerns about the safety of those on board.

Among the missing individuals are seven Indian nationals, strengthening the urgency of the rescue operations. The two buses involved were identified as the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and the Ganpati Deluxe bus, which was en route from Kathmandu to Rautahat’s Gaur.

Initial reports indicate that there were 24 passengers on the Angel bus and 41 on the Ganpati Deluxe bus, which was carrying 21 passengers from Birgunj to Kathmandu.

Three passengers from the Ganpati Deluxe bus managed to escape by jumping out just before the vehicle was engulfed by the landslide. The missing Indian nationals have been identified as Santosh Thakur, Surendra Sah, Adit Miyaan, Sunil, Shahnawaj Alam, and Ansari, with one other individual yet to be identified.

Chitwan's Chief District Officer, Indradev Yadav, confirmed that rescue efforts are currently underway to clear the debris and locate the missing individuals. However, access to the accident site is complicated by additional landslides blocking several routes.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed all government agencies to coordinate their efforts in the ongoing search and rescue operations. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of nearly five dozen passengers and the destruction caused by floods and landslides throughout the country," he stated in a post on social media platform X.

As rescue teams mobilize, the hope remains that more survivors can be found amidst the rubble of this tragic event.