A LANDSLIDE in central Nepal swept two buses carrying at least 60 people into a swollen river early today.

Local authorities reported that continuous rain and further landslides were making rescue efforts difficult.

Three survivors apparently swam to safety, but by late morning, rescuers had not found any trace of the buses, which were probably submerged and swept downstream in the Trishuli river. 

Heavy monsoon downpours in the past few days have swollen the waterways and turned their waters murky brown, making it even more difficult to see the wreckage.

The buses were on the key highway connecting Kathmandu to southern parts of Nepal when they were swept away near Simaltal, about 75 miles west of the capital.

More landslides blocked routes to the area in several places, government administrator Khima Nanada Bhusal said. 

Additional rescuers and security forces were sent to help with the efforts to find the buses, as police and army personnel searched using rubber rafts. 

One of the vehicles was carrying at least 24 people, while the other had at least 42 on board and could have picked up more en route, Mr Bhusal said.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said he was saddened by the news and expressed concern at recent flooding and landslides.