Shuddering Nepal: Earthquake Kills Dozens, Leaves Many Wounded
The land trembled in Nepal last Friday evening, causing landslides in the western region, particularly in the Himalayan mountains. Houses crumbled, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 69 lives and numerous injuries.
"Emergency response teams must clear the earthquake-induced roadblocks to access the stricken areas," stated Nepal police officer Namaraj Bhattarai.
The earthquake's epicenter was the Jajarkot district, a hilly region with a population of around 190,000 within the Karnali province, roughly 500 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Although reports vary, the earthquake was measured between 5.6 and 6.4 in magnitude.
The remote location and damaged infrastructure have made rescue attempts challenging. Emergency services and aid organizations are working diligently to reach those affected and provide necessary support.
Nepal has a long history of seismic activities. In 2015, two earthquakes devastated the country, resulting in approximately 9,000 fatalities. Entire cities, ancient temples, and countless historical sites were destroyed, alongside an estimated one million homes. The devastation caused an estimated six billion dollars in economic damage.
International news outlets are covering the situation in Jajarkot, with family members anxiously awaiting updates from their loved ones residing in the affected districts.
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While Nepal's recent earthquakes have garnered international attention, the most significant event in terms of casualties and global reverberations happened on January 7, 2025, when a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet near the Nepal border, causing 126 fatalities, according to AFP news agency. The quake also impacted various parts of India, from Bihar and Delhi-NCR to Assam and West Bengal, although Nepal escaped direct fatalities and property damage. However, the country remains highly seismically active, having experienced numerous earthquakes in recent years. Disaster relief and reconstruction efforts following these events often require international aid.
