66 people missing after two buses swept by landslide in Nepal

As many as 66 people are believed to be missing in Nepal after two passengers buses were swept by a landslide off the highway and into a swollen river

Updated - July 14, 2024 02:34 pm IST

Published - July 12, 2024 09:28 am IST - KATHMANDU

People watch the flooded Bagmati river in Kathmandu, Nepal.  File photo

People watch the flooded Bagmati river in Kathmandu, Nepal. File photo | Photo Credit: AP

As many as 66 people were believed missing in Nepal after two buses were swept by a landslide triggered off the highway and into a swollen river Friday, officials said.

Also read: 62 killed in rain-related incidents in Nepal in one month

Rescuers were trying to locate the bus and and help with rescue the passengers but the continuous rain was making rescue efforts difficult.

| Video Credit: PTI

The route leading to the accident area was also blocked in several places by landslides, said government administrator Khima Nanada Bhusal.

The buses were swept away around 3 a.m. Friday. Additional rescuers and security forces have been sent to the area to help with rescue efforts.

One bus had 24 people while the other had 42 but more could have boarded the bus while on the route, Bhusal said.

Monsoon season that begins in June and ends in September bring heavy rainfall to Nepal usually triggering landslides in the Himalayan country that is mostly covered by mountains.

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