Dozens Feared Missing After Landslide Sweeps Buses into Trishuli River in Central Nepal

A landslide in Central Nepal has swept away two buses along the Madan-Ashrit Highway, leaving at least 63 people missing and hampering search and rescue operations due to incessant rain.

Key Points

• Landslide in Central Nepal sweeps two buses into Trishuli River, leaving at least 63 people missing.
• Incident occurred early Friday morning on the Madan-Ashrit Highway.
• Rescue operations are hindered by incessant rain and swollen river conditions.
• Nepal PM directs government agencies for effective search and rescue.
• All flights from Kathmandu to Chitwan’s Bharatpur canceled due to weather.
• Three passengers managed to escape by jumping from one of the buses.
• Traffic on Narayanghat-Mugling road section obstructed by landslide debris.

At least five dozen people are suspected to be missing after a landslide along the Madan-Ashrit Highway in Central Nepal swept two passenger buses early Friday morning. The buses are believed to have been carried into the swollen Trishuli River, significantly hampering search and rescue operations.

According to officials on the scene, the incident occurred around 3:30 AM. Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav of Chitwan confirmed to ANI over the phone, “As per the preliminary information both the buses were carrying a total of 63 people, including the bus drivers. The landslide swept the buses at around 3:30 AM. We are at the incident site and a search operation is underway. Incessant rain is hampering our efforts to search for the missing buses.”

The Kathmandu-bound Angel bus and the Ganpati Deluxe, which was traveling from Kathmandu to Rautahat’s Gaur, were both affected. Initial reports indicate that there were 24 people on the bus heading to Kathmandu and 41 people on the other bus.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, expressed his sorrow on social media platform X, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the reports of about five dozen passengers that are missing when bus was washed away by a landslide on the Narayangadh-Muglin road section and the loss of properties due to floods and landslides in different parts of the country. I direct all agencies of the government, including the home administration, to search and effectively rescue the passengers.”

All flights from Kathmandu to Chitwan’s Bharatpur have been canceled for the day due to adverse weather conditions. Three passengers from the Ganpati Deluxe managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle. Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel are en route to the incident sites to conduct rescue operations, as confirmed by Superintendent of Police Bhawesh Rimal.

The landslide has also caused significant debris buildup, obstructing traffic on the Narayanghat-Mugling road section, further complicating rescue efforts. The grim weather continues to pose a challenge to the ongoing search and rescue operations.