A devastating earthquake struck northwest Nepal’s Jajarkot district on Friday night, causing widespread destruction and leaving thousands of villagers sleeping outdoors in the cold. The sudden quake killed at least 157 people, destroyed or damaged most homes, and left many without a roof over their heads. In the village of Chiuri, where most homes collapsed, residents were forced to tend to the injured and prepare the bodies of the deceased for cremation. The scene was chaotic, with people using makeshift shelters and whatever materials they had to keep warm, while many were unable to retrieve their belongings from under the rubble.
The earthquake’s consequences were exacerbated by the remote location of many villages, which could only be reached by foot. Roads were blocked by landslides triggered by the earthquake, hindering rescue efforts. However, the government launched a massive aid operation, with tents, food, and medicine being flown in to help the affected areas. Rescue teams focused on finding survivors, with local TV airing footage of troops recovering bodies and carrying the injured.
Thousands of Villagers Sleep Rough as Devastating Earthquake Hits Nepal
The earthquake’s impact was felt as far as India’s capital, New Delhi, more than 800 kilometres away. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.6 and occurred at a depth of 11 miles. The epicentre was in Jajarkot, about 400 kilometres northeast of the capital, Kathmandu. The quake left a trail of destruction, with at least 105 people confirmed dead in Jajarkot district, 52 in Rukum district, and many more injured. The regional hospital in Nepalgunj made over 100 beds available to treat the injured.
Nepal is no stranger to earthquakes, having experienced a 7.8 magnitude quake in 2015 that killed over 9,000 people and damaged about 1 million structures. The country’s vulnerability to seismic disasters is a major concern, with the latest earthquake highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness and rapid response.
