A devastating landslide struck central Nepal early on Friday, leaving 63 people missing and feared dead after two buses plunged into Trishuli River. The incident occurred around 3:30 am on the Madan-Ashrit Highway, a vital artery connecting the capital Kathmandu to other regions.
Landslide Plunges 2 Buses Into Nepal’s Trishuli River
आषाढ २८ गते चितवन जिल्ला, भरतपुर-२९ नारायणगढ-मुग्लिन सडक खण्डको सिमलतालमा यात्रु बाहक बसहरू पहिरोमा परेको खबर प्राप्त हुनसाथ चितवनस्थित नेपाली सेनाका गोताखोर सहित फौज खटिई अन्य सुरक्षा निकाय लगायत स्थानीयको सहयोगमा उद्धार कार्य जारी राखेको छ ।#NepaliArmy #NAinSearchNRescueOps pic.twitter.com/85jXUcsksm
— Nepali Army (@NepaliArmyHQ) July 12, 2024
Heavy monsoon rains triggered the landslide, which swept two passenger buses – the Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and the Ganpati Deluxe travelling from Kathmandu to Gaur – off the treacherous mountain road and into the raging Trishuli River below.
Indradev Yadav, the Chief District Officer of Chitwan, said in a statement to Hindustan Times that initial reports suggested a total of 63 people were on board the two buses, including the drivers. He revealed that the landslide occurred at around 3:30 am and search and rescue teams were currently deployed at the site. He went on to add that unfortunately, the persistent rain was making their efforts significantly more difficult.
The swollen river and treacherous terrain are posing a major challenge for emergency teams. The whereabouts of the missing buses remain unknown, raising fears of a significant loss of life. News of the tragedy reached Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who expressed deep sorrow and directed all government agencies to prioritise search and rescue efforts.
Madan-Ashrit Highway Blocked
आषाढ २८ गते चितवन जिल्ला, भरतपुर-२९ नारायणगढ-मुग्लिन सडक खण्डको सिमलतालमा यात्रु बाहक बसहरू पहिरोमा परेको खबर प्राप्त हुनसाथ चितवनस्थित नेपाली सेनाका गोताखोर सहित फौज खटिई अन्य सुरक्षा निकाय लगायत स्थानीयको सहयोगमा उद्धार कार्य जारी राखेको छ । #NepaliArmy #NAinSearchNRescueOps pic.twitter.com/lQS1SZv74R
— Nepali Army (@NepaliArmyHQ) July 12, 2024
The landslide’s impact extends beyond the immediate human cost. The critical Madan-Ashrit Highway is now blocked, disrupting travel between Kathmandu and other central and southern districts. As a precautionary measure, flights between Kathmandu and Bharatpur, the main city near the landslide site, have been cancelled.
Nepal is a nation highly susceptible to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall loosens fragile mountain slopes. In 2015, a devastating earthquake triggered widespread landslides that claimed thousands of lives. The current tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by Nepal’s mountainous terrain and the importance of robust infrastructure development to mitigate such risks.
While search operations continue, the focus remains on locating survivors and providing comfort to the families of those missing. The Nepalese government has assured full support to the affected families and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident.
The coming hours will be crucial in determining the full extent of the disaster. The nation waits with bated breath for any news of survivors, even as fears of a mounting death toll grow.
Cover Image Courtesy: @NepaliArmyHQ/ /X (Formerly, Twitter)