KATHMANDU: A powerful earthquake struck the western region of Jajarkot in Nepal, resulting in a tragic loss of life, with at least 128 individuals being killed, officials said on Saturday.
The earthquake occurred in the early hours of Saturday, registering a magnitude of 6.4 according to Nepal’s National Seismological Centre. However, the German Research Centre for Geosciences measuring it at 5.7 (downgraded from an initial estimate of 6.2) and the U.S. Geological Survey assessed it at 5.6.
Officials expressed concerns that the death toll might increase, as communication with the hilly region near the earthquake’s epicentre, located about 300 miles west of the capital Kathmandu, remained challenging. Tremors from the quake were also felt in Kathmandu. The affected district, which is scattered with villages in remote hills, has a population of 190,000.
As per police reports, 92 casualties were reported in Jajarkot, while an additional 36 fatalities occurred in the neighbouring Rukum West district, both situated in the Karnali province. The epicentre of the earthquake was identified in the village of Ramidanda. In addition to the loss of life, there were at least 85 people injured in Rukum West and 55 in Jajarkot, as reported by an official from the prime minister’s office. Furthermore, around 50 individuals were receiving medical care in Jajarkot alone.
Efforts to reach the affected areas and provide search and rescue assistance were hindered by landslides triggered by the earthquake, necessitating clearing blocked roads. Police officer Namaraj Bhattarai emphasized the importance of this operation.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal flew to the affected area on Saturday with a 16-member army medical team, aiming to oversee the search, rescue, and relief efforts, as stated by his office.
