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At least 63 people are missing in Nepal following a devastating landslide that swept two buses off a highway into the Trishuli River. This incident, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, occurred early Friday morning in the central district of Chitwan.
Key details of the event are as follows:
- Incident Details:
- The landslide occurred at 3:30 am local time along the Narayanghat-Mugling highway, about 100 kilometers west of Kathmandu.
- Two buses, one traveling from Kathmandu to Gaur in Rautahat district and the other en route from Birgunj to Kathmandu, were affected.
- The buses were carrying at least 66 passengers, with only three escaping before the buses were swept into the river.
- Search and Rescue Efforts:
- Dozens of search and rescue personnel are on-site, combing the area for survivors.
- The swollen river has hampered rescue efforts, and no additional survivors have been found yet.
- Casualties and Injuries:
- Three passengers managed to escape and are currently receiving hospital treatment.
- In a separate incident on the same highway, a bus driver was killed when a boulder struck his bus.
- Government Response:
- Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed his sadness over the incident and directed all government agencies to intensify search and rescue operations.
- Monsoon Season Hazards:
- Deadly road crashes and natural disasters are common during Nepal’s monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September.
- The monsoon rains, while essential for replenishing water supplies, often lead to landslides, floods, and other destructive events.
- Climate change is contributing to stronger and more unpredictable monsoon rains, exacerbating the risks.
- Statistics and Context:
- Nearly 2,400 people died in road accidents in Nepal over the past year.
- Floods, landslides, and lightning strikes have claimed 88 lives since the monsoon season began this June.
This tragedy underscores the need for improved infrastructure, better maintenance of vehicles, and more stringent safety measures on Nepal’s roads, particularly during the hazardous monsoon season.
