Stranded passengers rescued after 48 hours without food due to snowfall

KATHMANDU: A rescue operation has been successfully carried out to assist passengers stranded on the Mid-Hill Highway in Rukum East due to heavy snowfall.

The snowfall, which began on Friday night, caused significant disruptions, leading to the closure of the highway in the Lukum-Patihalna region.

Several buses and smaller vehicles bound for Kathmandu from Rukum West were stuck, and passengers were trapped for over 48 hours.

The snowfall blocked the road, making it impossible for vehicles to pass.

A bus heading from Rukum West to Kathmandu reached Patihalna by Friday afternoon but was unable to proceed due to the snow, leaving passengers stranded overnight and throughout Saturday.

One such passenger, Premika Mall from Rukum West, shared her experience of being stuck in the bus for an extended period.

The area had no nearby hotels, and the small hotels in Patihalna were unable to accommodate the passengers.

As a result, many passengers spent 48 hours without food. Local authorities, including the Chief District Officer of Rukum East, Rudra Prasad Nyaupane, informed that snow clearance operations began on Saturday, allowing the stranded passengers to be rescued.

Snow removal efforts were focused on a 5-kilometer stretch of the Lukum-Patihalna section and a 2-kilometer stretch in the Baglung region.

The Nepal Police and Armed Police Force collaborated to clear the snow. Once the snow was cleared, the buses from Rukum West to Kathmandu were able to continue their journey, and numerous smaller vehicles were also allowed to pass.

Following the rescue operation, authorities have advised that buses should not operate on the highway during the night.

The Chief District Officer further stated that the condition of the road would be monitored on Sunday morning before allowing any transportation services to resume.

It is common for the Mid-Hill Highway to face disruptions due to snowfall in this region during the winter months.