Earthquake hits Nepal: Over 100 reported dead, search and rescue operations underway

Image credit: Getty Images/Stock Photo

A powerful earthquake hit a remote region in Western Nepal on Friday, resulting in more than 100 reported fatalities.

The affected areas, included the rugged districts of Jajarkot and West Rukum, situated 500 kilometres west of Kathmandu.

Security forces have been deployed to assist in rescue operations.

The aftermath of the quake caused significant casualties, with more than 100 individuals reported injured, overwhelming Jajarkot’s hospital. Authorities expect the death toll to rise.

Strong tremors were felt across significant distances, reaching Nepal’s capital and neighboring cities in India, such as Delhi.

Following the initial quake, three subsequent tremors occurred within an hour, leading many to spend the night in open spaces due to fears of further seismic activity and potential structural damage to their residences.

Disturbing video footage broadcasted on local media depicted the destruction, displaying collapsed multi-story brick houses and individuals laboring to extract survivors from the rubble in darkness, documented on social media.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, expressed grief for the loss of life and property via Twitter. He said security agencies have been ordered to commence immediate rescue and relief efforts, although the efforts are impeded by landslides blocking crucial roads.

#WATCH | Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ arrives in Jajarkot and meets the people affected by the earthquake that struck the region last night.

The death toll in the 6.4 magnitude earthquake stands at 129.

(Video Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/sty7recDgR

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2023

The police chief of Jajarkot, Suresh Sunar, said there existed significant challenges in obtaining a comprehensive assessment of the situation due to difficulties in accessing remote areas exacerbated by the night and cold weather conditions.

The earthquake, recorded at 23:47 local time, was measured at a magnitude of 5.6 by the US Geological Survey. The survey agency noted it was a shallow earthquake due to its proximity to the Earth’s surface.

Nepal’s history of devastating earthquakes

Nepal, nestled along the Himalayan region, frequently experiences such seismic events.
In the past, similar incidents have caused substantial damage and loss of life.

Notably, Nepal endured significant string of earthquakes in 2015, with two major earthquakes resulting in over 9,000 dead and over 22,000 injuries. The quakes devastated numerous houses, especially in the western and central districts, and caused extensive damage to historic monuments and infrastructure.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported that over 800,000 houses were either destroyed or damaged. The aftermath included the destruction of government buildings, roads, and UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley, accentuating the seismic vulnerability of the region.