40 kg magnet used in search for missing bus

CHITWAN, July 27: The search operation for the two buses that plunged into the Trishuli river after being swept away by a landslide in Simaltal, Chitwan, will continue for the 16th consecutive day on Saturday.

After Nepali technology alone proved insufficient, a joint team of experienced divers and technicians from Nepal and India has been engaged in the non-stop search since Sunday. However, since no significant progress has been made, the Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Nepal Armed Police and the Nepal Army have adjusted their strategy. To facilitate the search for the missing buses and their passengers, the Indian team has deployed a 40-kilogram magnet.

Chitwan District Commissioner Indradev Yadav told Republica that the magnetic device has been in operation since 9:30 am this morning to assist in the search efforts.

A 12-member technical team of the NDRF is also participating in the search. The district administration office in Chitwan has reported that 24 bodies have been recovered so far, of which 19 have been identified and handed over to their families.

Among the identified bodies, 14 are Nepalese citizens. Of the bodies found, 21 are men and 4 are women. 16 men and three women have been identified.

On Friday, July 12, Angel Deluxe bus (registration number Ba Pra 03-00-006 Kha 1516), travelling from Birgunj to Kathmandu, and Ganapati Deluxe bus (registration number Ba Pra 03-24-95 Kha 001), travelling from Kathmandu to Gaur, were swept into the Trishuli river by a landslide in Simaltal. They have been missing since then.

Of the 65 passengers on the buses, three escaped safely, while 62 are still missing. The status of 37 passengers and the two buses has yet to be determined.