Grim Outlook as Nepal Rescue Mission Continues for Missing Bus Passengers

A landslide in Nepal left 51 passengers and crew missing after their buses were swept into a river. Rescuers have not found any survivors as over 30 hours have passed since the incident, with heavy rain and murky water complicating search efforts. Despite recent landslides and floods, the government plans to restrict nighttime bus travel due to forecasting limitations. Seven Indian nationals are among the missing.

Nepal has been grappling with a devastating landslide tragedy, leaving 51 passengers and crew members missing after their buses were swept away by a raging river. According to the latest reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs, seven Indian nationals are among the missing individuals [1].

On June 25, 2023, a massive landslide occurred in Chitwan district, approximately 86 km west of the capital city of Kathmandu [1]. The incident was triggered by heavy rain, causing two buses to plunge into the Trishuli River [1]. Initial reports suggest that at least three passengers managed to escape with minor injuries by jumping off the buses before the landslide struck [1].

The search and rescue operation, which commenced immediately after the incident, was hampered by the heavy rain and murky water. According to Khimananda Bhusal, the deputy chief administrator of Chitwan district, the chances of finding any survivors are diminishing as over 30 hours have passed since the incident [1]. However, a team of 500 rescuers, including security personnel and divers, has been working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals [1].

In the aftermath of this tragic incident, the Nepalese government has announced plans to restrict nighttime bus travel due to forecasting limitations [1]. This decision comes amidst concerns over the increasing number of landslides and floods triggered by torrential monsoon rains, which have claimed the lives of at least 91 people in Nepal since mid-June [1].

The tragedy in Nepal serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of implementing effective safety measures, particularly during the monsoon season.

Sources:

[1] Reuters. (2023, June 25). Chances of finding survivors slim after Nepal landslide, official says. https://www.marketscreener.com/news/latest/Chances-of-finding-survivors-slim-after-Nepal-landslide-official-says-47375218/