Tragedy struck in Nepal as at least 63 people went missing after heavy monsoon rains caused a landslide, sweeping two buses off a highway and into a river. Search and rescue efforts are underway in Chitwan district, with hopes of finding survivors. The buses, carrying a total of 66 passengers, crashed into the swollen Trishuli river, with only three passengers managing to escape. The exact number of missing individuals remains uncertain as the buses could have picked up more passengers along the way.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed his condolences and directed government agencies to facilitate the search and rescue mission. Deadly accidents on Nepal’s poorly constructed roads are not uncommon, with nearly 2,400 fatalities recorded in the past year. The monsoon season exacerbates road travel hazards, leading to a rise in accidents caused by landslides and floods.
As monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across South Asia, experts warn of the increasing impact of climate change on the region’s weather patterns. The recent spate of fatalities in Nepal serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by the unpredictable monsoon season.
© 2024 AFP