Indian Rescue Team's Herculean Effort in Nepal Landslide Aftermath

A 12-member Indian rescue team collaborated with Nepali forces to search for passengers and buses swept away by a landslide into Nepal's Trishuli River. Despite extensive search efforts, 25 bodies were found, including six Indians. The team returned after invaluable contributions to disaster management and rescue operations.

A 12-member Indian rescue team returned home on Sunday after an exhaustive search operation in Nepal. The team was aiding in the search for passengers and two buses that were swept away by a landslide into the Trishuli River earlier this month.

Since last Sunday, the Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) collaborated with Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF) and the Nepali Army. Despite extensive efforts, the missing buses are yet to be located. However, 25 bodies, including six Indians, were discovered along the Narayani riverbanks and near the Triveni Dam, about 103 kilometres downstream from the incident site. Only 19 of these bodies have been confirmed as passengers from the incident.

During a security committee meeting, Chitwan's Chief District Officer, Indradev Yadav, expressed gratitude to the Indian team for their review of the operation's methods, techniques, and potential future strategies. The NDRF team, equipped with sonar cameras and magnets, played an invaluable role in the search. Notably, a 19-kg magnet used by the NDRF was also swept away in the river's strong currents.

The tragedy occurred on July 12, when two buses carrying 65 passengers were swept into the Trishuli River by a landslide. Three passengers managed to swim to safety, while at least 62 went missing. Seven Indian nationals en route to Kathmandu were among the missing, and five bodies have been handed over to their relatives by Nepali authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)