Rescuers in Nepal are frantically searching for more than 60 missing people after a devastating landslide swept two buses into a river. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has left authorities and survivors reeling from the tragic aftermath.
Survivor Nandan Das recounted his harrowing experience, stating that he was “thrown out of the window of the bus into the river” as it rolled down into the water. Despite the darkness of the night, he managed to swim to safety, along with two other survivors, after chanting the name of God and battling against the strong current.
Another survivor, Jogishwar Raya, described the terrifying moments leading up to the bus plunging into the river, saying it was “trembling and overturning four or five times” before the tragic event unfolded. He expressed anguish over the loss of his family members who were on the bus with him.
The landslide, triggered by heavy rains, has highlighted the dangers posed by the ongoing monsoon season in Nepal and other parts of South Asia. With millions affected by floods and landslides in recent weeks, the country is facing a challenging period as rescue efforts continue.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called for a unified effort from all government agencies to aid in the search and rescue operation. The toll of the monsoon season has been devastating, with key highways blocked and bridges swept away by swollen rivers, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly in areas where rivers are flowing above danger levels. The country’s history of deadly crashes due to poorly maintained roads and reckless driving adds another layer of concern to the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
