Kathmandu: Nepal was hit by another powerful earthquake on Friday night, the third one in the past month, causing widespread damage and killing at least 128 people. The 6.4 magnitude quake struck at 11:32 pm local time, with its epicenter in the Lamidanda area of Jajarkot district in western Nepal.
The quake was felt across Nepal and in several parts of northern India, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. People rushed out of their homes in panic as the ground shook for several seconds. No major casualties or damage were reported in India.
However, in Nepal, the situation was grim. According to state-run Nepal Television, 80 people were killed and more than 140 injured in the Jajarkot and Rukum districts, where most of the destruction occurred. At least 128 people have died in the country due to the earthquake, while hundreds have been injured. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers reach remote areas.
Jajarkot, which has a population of 190,000, was the worst affected district. According to local officials, 34 people died and many were injured in the quake. Many houses, schools, temples, and government buildings collapsed or were damaged. The district hospital was also severely affected, hampering the treatment of the injured.
Rukum district also suffered heavy losses, with 36 confirmed deaths and dozens of injuries. The quake also triggered landslides and rockfalls, blocking roads and cutting off communication lines. Many villages were left without electricity and water supply.
The Nepal government has declared a state of emergency in the affected districts and mobilized the army and police for rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. He also appealed to the international community for assistance.
This is the third time in the last month that Nepal has experienced strong earthquakes. In November 2022, a 6.3-magnitude quake killed six people in Doti district. In 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude quake killed more than 12,000 people and caused massive damage to the country’s infrastructure and heritage.
