[Nepal Hit by Devastating Earthquake, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Widespread Destruction]
KATHMANDU – Nepal is reeling in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the country, claiming the lives of at least 137 people and causing widespread destruction. The quake, which measured 6.4 on the Richter scale, struck the Jajarkot region in the west of Nepal, shaking buildings as far away as New Delhi. Rescue workers are now engaged in a race against time to search for survivors amidst the rubble left by collapsed houses.
The Jajarkot region, located some 500 km west of the capital Kathmandu, was the hardest hit by the earthquake. With first responders only able to reach the area early on Saturday, officials fear that the death toll could rise as more casualties are discovered. The poor quality of construction in the region is exacerbating the situation, as even a relatively moderate quake can cause significant damage and loss of life.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by blocked roads caused by landslides, slowing down the arrival of emergency teams. Helicopters and small planes are on standby to support the rescue operation once the roads are cleared. The German Research Centre for Geosciences measured the quake at 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported the magnitude as 5.6.
This devastating earthquake is the deadliest to hit Nepal since 2015 when two earthquakes resulted in the deaths of approximately 9,000 people. The destruction caused by those earthquakes included the leveling of towns, destruction of centuries-old temples, and the destruction of more than a million houses, amounting to a staggering $6 billion in economic losses.
In the current quake, officials have reported that 99 people lost their lives in Jajarkot, and an additional 38 perished in the neighboring Rukum West district. The epicenter was traced back to the village of Ramidanda. Jajarkot, with its scattered villages in remote hills, has a population of 190,000, and three towns and three villages have been confirmed to be affected.
The injured count stands at 85 in Rukum West and 55 in Jajarkot. Survivors spent a harrowing night outdoors, fearing to enter cracked houses for fear of aftershocks. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, utilizing their bare hands to dig through debris in search of survivors. Videos and images captured the heart-wrenching scenes of people being carried to rescue helicopters and evacuated to hospitals.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has flown to the affected area to oversee the search, rescue, and relief efforts personally. Meanwhile, his office has appealed for assistance from political parties, social workers, and the public to help provide essentials such as food, water, clothes, and tents to the survivors.
The impact of the earthquake was felt as far away as New Delhi, approximately 600 km from the epicenter. Tremors rattled buildings, forcing residents to flee into the streets in the middle of the night. However, no damage was reported in the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which border Nepal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and solidarity with the people of Nepal, while also offering assistance. India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, and we wish the injured a quick recovery, he stated.
As Nepal continues to grapple with the devastation caused by the earthquake, the focus remains on search and rescue operations, as well as providing relief to the affected communities. Efforts are underway to clear blocked roads and improve access to the affected areas, ensuring timely assistance reaches those in need.
