KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded in Nepal as two buses were swept away by a landslide, leaving as many as 66 people missing. The devastating event occurred when the buses were carried off the highway and into a swollen river on Friday. Despite the valiant efforts of rescuers, the continuous rain hampered their attempts to locate the buses and aid in the rescue of passengers.
The challenging situation was further exacerbated by the blockage of the route leading to the accident area due to multiple landslides. Government administrator Khima Nanada Bhusal confirmed the grim reality of the situation, revealing that one bus was carrying 24 individuals while the other had 42 passengers. However, it is suspected that more individuals might have boarded the buses during their journey.
The tragic incident took place at around 3 a.m. on Friday, during the monsoon season in Nepal. The monsoon season, which spans from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to the region, often triggering landslides in the mountainous terrain of the Himalayan country.
In response to the crisis, additional rescuers and security forces have been dispatched to the area to bolster rescue efforts. The treacherous conditions created by the relentless rain and landslides have made the rescue operation a challenging and urgent task.
