By In a devastating overnight event, a powerful earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck a remote area of Nepal, leading to the loss of at least 119 lives.
This heartbreaking incident occurred in the far west of the Himalayan nation, with the epicenter located just 18 kilometers (11 miles) beneath the surface, according to the US Geological Survey.
The earthquake left a trail of destruction in its wake, as videos and photos shared on social media depicted locals courageously sifting through the debris in the darkness to rescue survivors from the ruins of their homes and buildings.
Mud houses crumbled, and survivors sought refuge outdoors while the sirens of emergency vehicles echoed through the night.
The impact of the quake extended as far as India’s capital, New Delhi, situated nearly 500 kilometers from the epicenter, which is located 42 kilometers south of Jumla.
Karnali Province police spokesman Gopal Chandra Bhattarai reported, “The death toll has reached 119, and at least 100 individuals have sustained injuries.” He further highlighted the challenges faced in disseminating information due to the remote nature of the affected districts.
Efforts were underway to address this crisis as Nepali security forces mobilized extensively to assist with search and rescue operations. Although some roads had been rendered impassable due to damage, alternative routes were being explored to reach the affected areas.
The district hospital found itself inundated with residents rushing in with injured victims, a stark reminder of the human toll exacted by this natural disaster.
Nepal is situated on a significant geological faultline where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate, giving rise to the majestic Himalayan mountain range.
Consequently, earthquakes are not uncommon in this region. Nepal’s home ministry spokesman, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, stated, “We have received reports of human and physical damages in two districts as a result of the quake.”
Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal expressed his deep condolences for the loss of life and the extensive physical damage caused by the earthquake.
This tragic event brings back painful memories of the devastating earthquake in 2015, which registered at 7.8 on the Richter scale and claimed the lives of nearly 9,000 people, injuring over 22,000 more.
It also leftover half a million homes in ruins and nearly 8,000 schools damaged or destroyed, impacting the education of almost a million children.
Additionally, this catastrophe caused the destruction of hundreds of monuments and royal palaces, including UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, dealing a severe blow to the tourism industry.
Last year, in November, six individuals lost their lives when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Doti district, near Jajarkot. This area remains seismically active and susceptible to such natural disasters.
The earthquake that struck Nepal was followed by an aftershock several hours later, registering at 4.0 on the Richter scale, as confirmed by the US Geological Survey.
The people of both Nepal and its neighboring countries are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, as rescue and relief efforts continue in the affected regions.
