KATHMANDU: The search operation for the missing buses and passengers involved in the Simaltal landslide has been intensified on its 11th day. On the tragic day of the landslide, two buses and approximately 65 passengers were swept into the Trishuli River when the disaster struck the Simaltal area along the Narayanghat-Mugling road section at Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29.

To assist in the search efforts, a 12-member team from the Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has arrived in Nepal. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that the search began in earnest on Sunday morning following a joint meeting of the District Security Committee and the Indian technical team, led by the Chief District Officer of Chitwan.

The combined team has conducted searches approximately 16 kilometers from Ghumane to Devghat as of the evening. The NDRRMA expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its support, highlighting the crucial role of skilled technicians in the ongoing operation.

So far, 25 bodies have been recovered, including two found across the border in India. The identities of 18 deceased individuals have been confirmed, with 13 being Nepali and 15 Indian nationals. The bodies of the identified victims have been returned to their families.