A powerful earthquake struck a remote region of northwestern Nepal late on Friday night, resulting in a tragic loss of life. According to a police official, at least 157 people have been reported dead, and many more injured. The earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 5.6, occurred about 42 kilometers from Jumla in Karnali province. Despite its relatively moderate intensity, the tremors were felt as far away as New Delhi, India's capital. Rescue efforts are currently underway to save those trapped under the rubble.
Details about the extent of the destruction are slowly emerging, as authorities prioritize search and rescue operations. The police spokesperson, Kuber Kadayat, explained that the true scale of collapsed and damaged buildings is not yet fully known. Some villages have reported that up to 90% of houses have collapsed. Tragically, this earthquake is the deadliest since the devastating earthquake in 2015, which claimed the lives of around 9,000 people.
The Jajarkot district, near the quake's epicenter, suffered the greatest loss of life, with 105 confirmed deaths and 55 injuries. In the neighboring Rukum West district, 52 people were killed and 85 injured. Heartbreaking footage from Reuters shows numerous houses reduced to rubble in Jajarkot, leaving survivors searching for safety amidst the devastation.
Nepal is no stranger to earthquakes due to its location where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect, creating the Himalayan mountain range. In 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc across the nation, resulting in immense devastation, loss of life, and economic damage. This recent quake has sparked concerns among officials, as they have been unable to establish contact with the hilly area near the epicenter.
Reports suggest that casualties may increase as communication is reestablished. Harish Chandra Sharma, an official from Jajarkot district, stated that the number of injured could be in the hundreds, with the death toll expected to rise as well. Many residents spent the night in open fields, fearing aftershocks that further damaged already cracked houses. Jajarkot, with a population of 190,000 scattered across remote hills, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding amidst the tragedy.
In response to the disaster, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed his condolences to the affected families and offered assistance. He tweeted, "Deeply saddened by loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. 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."
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on saving lives and providing support to those affected by this devastating earthquake. The international community stands ready to assist Nepal in its recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of this tragic event.