Earthquake Takes Lives in Western Nepal
Nightfall on Saturday saw a devastating impact as a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck western Nepal, claiming at least 157 lives. The epicenter was situated in Jajarkot and Rukum, districts where a staggering 199 individuals were injured, as reported by Kuber Kathayat, the national police authority's spokesperson. Residents as far as 500 kilometers away in New Delhi, the Indian capital, felt the tremors.
Arising Compellingly in the Night
Surprised in their sleep, many residents witnessed their mud homes crumble. Kamala Oli, a hospital patient in Nepalgunj, recounted her harrowing experience, "We were sleeping when it happened. There were three of us in the house. Only two of us survived." Taken to the clinic in the border-near town for treatment, approximately three dozen survivors with fractures and head injuries were discovered.
Remote Mountains and Challenging Rescue Efforts
Jajarkot lost at least 105 lives, while Rukum counted 52 fatalities, as per local police reports. Due to the quake occurring in a remote mountainous area, obtaining information was difficult. Numerous security forces were deployed, either on foot or via helicopter, to aid in rescue efforts, shared Gopal Chandra Bhattarai, a police spokesman in Karnali province.
Even though roads were blocked following the earthquake, attempts were made to reach the area by other means to help those affected. As the earthquake region head, Pushpa Kamal Dahal visited the area to observe the damage. Dahal expressed his "deep sorrow" over the loss of lives and material damage on an online service.
Nepal, bound between tectonic plates
The collision between the Indian and Eurasian continental plates caused earthquakes to be frequent in Nepal, a nation located at the fracture point between these two massive plates. In 2015, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake claimed nearly 9,000 lives and left over 22,000 injured. Tourist-popular Kathmandu Valley suffered significant damage from collapsing historically and culturally important structures.
In 2022, a similar 5.6 magnitude quake occurred in Doti, a district neighboring Jajarkot, which was hit by this latest disaster. Scientists continue to warn of the potential for another devastating earthquake in the region, as the stress from the Indian plate's movement has shifted in recent years, heightening the risk.
Arising from the Himalayas, Nepal's seismic activities have left an indelible mark. Experts in geodetic data suggest that enough energy remains to drive a potential magnitude 8 earthquake in certain locations, further setting the stage for possible significant future seismic activities.
India pledges assistance and condolences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "deep sorrow" for the victims and offered solidarity and support, asserting India's willingness to provide all possible assistance.
