In a tragic incident, a massive landslide swept away two passenger buses on a highway in Central Nepal, leading to fears that as many as five dozen people are missing. The disaster occurred on Thursday evening, triggering a major rescue operation by local authorities and emergency services.

Incident Details

The landslide struck the Mugling-Narayangadh highway, a crucial route connecting the capital Kathmandu with the southern plains. The buses were traveling along the highway when they were caught in the landslide, which was reportedly triggered by heavy monsoon rains that have been lashing the region for the past few days. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the earth gave way, sending tons of rock and mud cascading onto the road, engulfing the vehicles.

Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue teams, including personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and local volunteers, have been dispatched to the site. However, continuous rain and unstable terrain are hampering their efforts. Heavy machinery has been brought in to clear the debris and search for survivors. The operation is being conducted under challenging conditions, with the risk of further landslides posing a significant threat to rescue workers.

An official from the District Administration Office said, “The situation is dire. We are doing everything we can to locate and rescue the missing individuals. The exact number of passengers on the buses is still unknown, but initial reports suggest around 60 people could be trapped.”

Survivors and Witness Accounts

A few survivors have been pulled from the rubble and are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. One of the survivors, visibly shaken, recounted, “We heard a loud rumble, and suddenly the bus was being pushed by a massive wall of mud and rocks. It happened so fast, there was no time to react.”

Government Response

The Nepalese government has expressed deep concern over the incident. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed all relevant agencies to expedite the rescue operations and provide necessary assistance to the affected families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We will ensure that all possible measures are taken to rescue the missing and support the survivors,” he said in a statement.

Ongoing Challenges

Landslides are a common occurrence in Nepal during the monsoon season, often resulting in significant loss of life and property. The rugged terrain and heavy rainfall make certain areas particularly vulnerable. This latest incident underscores the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of such natural calamities.

As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on finding and saving as many lives as possible. The full extent of the tragedy will only be known once the debris is cleared and a thorough search is completed. The Nepalese authorities, along with local communities, are working tirelessly to address this crisis and provide relief to those affected.