A devastating landslide struck central Nepal on Friday morning, causing two passenger buses carrying at least 60 people to plunge into the Trishuli River.

Rescue efforts are hindered by continuous rain and ongoing landslides in the area, local officials said.

According to reports, three survivors managed to escape by jumping out of the buses and swimming to safety, but the submerged vehicles have yet to be located due to poor visibility caused by the fast-flowing river and monsoon downpours.

The incident occurred around 3:00 am near Simaltal on a crucial highway linking Kathmandu to southern Nepal. Government administrator Khima Nanada Bhusal confirmed that additional landslides have blocked access routes, prompting authorities to deploy more rescuers, security personnel, and divers to aid in the search.

Initial estimates indicate that one bus was carrying at least 24 passengers, while the other had around 42. However, the actual number of individuals on board could be higher as some may have boarded along the route.

The three survivors are currently receiving medical treatment.

Earlier on Friday, another landslide on the same highway tragically claimed the life of a bus driver.

Nepal experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to September, frequently triggering landslides in its mountainous terrain. Just the previous night, a landslide near Pokhara claimed the lives of a family of seven. (ILKHA)