Kathmandu: Rescue workers have so far recovered 19 bodies, including four Indians, after two buses were swept away by landslide debris in Nepal’s Chitwan district last week. Sources gave this information on Thursday. The landslide incident took place on Friday in Simaltal area on Narayanghat-Mugling road in Chitwan district. Out of 54 people, three people swam to safety immediately after the incident. The first bus going from Birgunj to Kathmandu had 24 passengers, including seven Indian nationals. The second bus going from Kathmandu to Gaur had 30 people.

Both the buses fell into the Trishuli river due to heavy landslide. So far, 19 bodies have been recovered from the accident site in the accident involving both the buses. According to Sashastra Police Force (SSB) sources, four of the 19 bodies are of Indian nationals. Five male bodies have not been identified yet. According to the police, local officials of Nepal are coordinating with Indian officials from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for rescue operations. Search and rescue operations continued on Thursday as well. The body of 27-year-old Indian national Vivek Kumar was recovered during the operation on Wednesday.

Bodies floated up to 100 km away

Earlier, a total of three bodies including Rishi Pal Shah (28), Jai Prakash Thakur (30) and Sajjad Ansari (23) were recovered. Officials used high-quality sonar cameras, powerful magnets and water drones to assist in rescue operations. The bodies of passengers travelling in both the buses floated up to 100 km away in the Trishuli river. Due to the hilly terrain, the flow of rivers in Nepal is usually fast. Heavy rains over the past few days have also caused waterways to swell and mud and debris to turn their water dark brown, making it even harder to see debris. Monsoon season brings heavy rains to Nepal from June to September, often triggering landslides in the mountainous Himalayan country.