60+ Missing in Nepal as Buses Swept Into River
Rescuers in Nepal intensified their efforts on Friday to locate survivors following a tragic incident where two buses were swept off a major highway into the Trishuli River during the early morning hours. As of now, at least 60 individuals are reported missing, while three others managed to swim to safety and are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
The buses were en route on a crucial highway linking the capital with southern Nepal when the incident occurred near Simaltal, approximately 120 kilometers west of Kathmandu, according to police statements. Despite mobilizing the army and police for search operations, authorities had not yet located the submerged vehicles by late morning.
Heavy monsoon rains in recent days have caused significant swelling of local waterways, turning their waters murky and complicating search efforts for the wreckage. Continuous rain and ongoing landslides further impede rescue operations.
In a separate incident on the same highway, a third bus was struck by a landslide on Friday morning, resulting in the death of the driver. Further details regarding additional casualties remain unclear at this time.
Elsewhere, tragedy struck on Thursday night near the resort town of Pokhara, where a landslide buried a hut, claiming the lives of a family of seven who were asleep inside. The landslide not only destroyed their home but also damaged three neighboring houses.
Numerous other landslides have blocked access to various areas across Nepal, exacerbating the challenges faced by emergency responders. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed deep sorrow over the series of recent flooding and landslides that have collectively claimed nearly 100 lives since mid-June, underscoring the severity of the ongoing monsoon season’s impact on the mountainous nation.
