66 people missing as buses plunge into river amid Nepal’s monsoon

A Tragedy in Nepal: Landslide Claims Lives of 66 People in Central Nepal

In the early hours of Friday morning, a devastating landslide struck a remote area in central Nepal, taking the lives of at least 66 people. The incident occurred when two passenger buses, carrying a total of 66 individuals, were swept away by the landslide and plunged into a swollen river. The continuous rain and additional landslides have made the rescue and relief efforts extremely challenging for the authorities.

The incident took place in the Sindhupalchowk district, about 55 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The buses were on their way to Kathmandu from Palpa and Arghakhanchi districts, carrying passengers who were returning home for the upcoming Dashain festival, a time when families and friends come together to celebrate. However, what was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into a tragedy.

According to eyewitnesses, the landslide occurred around 2:00 am, and the buses were completely submerged in the river within seconds. The heavy rain in the area for the past few days has caused the soil to become loose, making it vulnerable to landslides. The powerful force of nature has left the locals in shock and mourning. The rescue team, along with the help of the army, has been working tirelessly to find any survivors, but the chances seem bleak.

The Sindhupalchowk district, which is known for its hilly terrain and susceptible to landslides, has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past few days. This has not only caused several landslides in the area but has also triggered flooding in many parts of the district. The continuous rain has made it difficult for the rescue team to reach the affected area, and the threat of more landslides looms over the rescue operations.

The Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and assured to provide all necessary support to those affected by this tragedy. He sent a team of government officials and relief materials to the affected area to assist with the rescue and relief efforts. The government has also declared a three-day national mourning period as a mark of respect for the lives lost in this tragedy.

Nepal, a small but beautiful country nestled in the Himalayas, has always been prone to natural disasters. The country has experienced numerous devastating earthquakes, floods, landslides, and avalanches in the past, claiming the lives of many innocent people. However, the resilience and strength of the people of Nepal have always been commendable. Even in the face of such tragedies, they have stood together and helped each other to rebuild their lives.

The landslide in Sindhupalchowk district has once again reminded us of the unpredictability of nature and the fragility of life. It has also highlighted the need for better infrastructure and disaster management in the country. The government should take immediate measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The locals should also be educated on the warning signs of landslides and other natural disasters, and emergency preparedness should be encouraged.

As the rescue operations continue in Sindhupalchowk district, let us all join hands to support the affected families and pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace. Let us also take this tragic incident as a lesson to be better prepared for any future disasters and work towards building a safer and more resilient Nepal. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and may they find the strength to overcome this difficult time.