A powerful earthquake struck the western region of Jajarkot in Nepal, resulting in at least 128 casualties and numerous injuries. The quake led to the collapse of houses in the affected area, causing tremors that were felt as far away as New Delhi, India.
The earthquake occurred at 11:47 p.m. (1802 GMT) on a Friday, registering a magnitude of 6.4 according to Nepal’s National Seismological Centre. However, measurements from other sources varied, with the German Research Centre for Geosciences recording it as 5.7 (downgraded from 6.2), and the U.S. Geological Survey estimating it as 5.6.
This earthquake is the deadliest in Nepal since 2015 when two devastating earthquakes claimed the lives of approximately 9,000 people. Those disasters reduced entire towns, ancient temples, and historical landmarks to ruins, resulting in over a million homes being destroyed and causing an estimated economic loss of $6 billion.
Given the hilly terrain near the earthquake’s epicenter, which is located approximately 500 km (300 miles) west of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, officials expressed concerns that the death toll could increase. This area includes a district with a population of 190,000, with villages scattered throughout remote hills.
Tragedy Strikes Again:
In a tragic turn of events, Nepal has been hit by a powerful earthquake, claiming the lives of at least 128 people and injuring many others. The devastation has led to the collapse of homes, and the seismic waves extended as far as New Delhi, India.
The earthquake, which occurred late on a Friday evening, registered a magnitude of 6.4 according to Nepal’s National Seismological Centre. However, varying measurements from different sources, including the German Research Centre for Geosciences and the U.S. Geological Survey, have been reported.
This earthquake is a grim reminder of the devastating events of 2015 when Nepal endured two major earthquakes, resulting in an extensive loss of life and infrastructure. Towns, ancient temples, and historical sites were obliterated, causing immense economic damage.
Due to the challenging terrain around the epicenter, which is located west of Kathmandu, there are concerns that the death toll may rise further. The affected district, with its population of 190,000 and scattered villages in remote hills, faces a long road to recovery.