Dozens missing as landslide sweeps buses into river in Nepal

A massive landslide in Nepal has caused significant distress, sweeping two buses into the Trishuli River in the central district of Chitwan. Rescuers are currently searching for more than 60 missing individuals. Some survivors have recounted their harrowing experiences, with one person stating he was thrown out of the bus window into the river. Only three people have been confirmed as survivors so far. The landslide was triggered by heavy rains, as Nepal and other parts of South Asia are in the midst of the monsoon season, which has brought heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides affecting millions. The accident occurred at 3:30 AM local time on Friday along the Narayanghat-Mugling highway, approximately 100 kilometers from the capital, Kathmandu. Survivor Nandan Das told the BBC's Nepali Service that the bus had been on the road for about an hour and a half when it suddenly started rolling down into the river. He described the experience as feeling like he was going to die. Despite the darkness, he managed to swim to safety, navigating through a river filled with large boulders and foliage. He and others chanted the name of God as they swam, unsure if they were heading out to the river or inward. Eventually, he reached the riverbank and began climbing the slope. He and another survivor reached the highway simultaneously and were soon joined by a third person. They managed to get help from a driver who called the police. Another survivor, Jogishwar Raya, described the bus as trembling and overturning four or five times before plunging into the river. He managed to swim out of the bus, but his family members are still missing. He said his son, daughter-in-law, grandson, and granddaughter were on the same bus, and he was the only one to survive. Nepal's Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has called for all government agencies to join the search and rescue operation. This monsoon season has already claimed many lives, with key highways blocked and some bridges swept away by swollen rivers. Authorities have urged residents in the southeast of the country to remain vigilant as the Koshi River, which flows through Nepal and India, is currently above the danger level. Nepal frequently experiences deadly crashes due to poorly maintained roads and reckless driving. Rescuers continue their efforts to find survivors after the two buses fell into the river.