Nepal: At least 132 dead in deadly 6.4-magnitude earthquake
At least 132 individuals reportedly lost their lives and more than 140 people suffered injuries in a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that rocked the western area of Jajarkota in Nepal on Friday night. Local authorities said the death toll in the incident is expected to rise further as search and rescue operations are underway. Many houses were damaged or collapsed there, while strong tremors were felt as far as 500 kilometers away in New Delhi.
Nearly 40 dead in Nepal's Rukum West
Speaking to news agency ANI, Rukum West Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Pant said, "At least 36 people have been confirmed dead in Rukum West, and the toll is expected to rise further. This is the update we have been able to get till 5:00am (local time)." Nepal is located in a geologically active region. The Indian continental plate has been shifting beneath the Eurasian plate at a pace of around two centimeters per year, causing frequent earthquakes.
Regular flight movements suspended in Nepal
Government officials revealed that the Bheri Hospital, Kohalpur Medical College, Nepalgunj Military Hospital, and Police Hospital in Nepal have been turned into dedicated hospitals for earthquake-affected people. While helicopter operators are on standby, regular flight movements have been suspended to facilitate the airlift of injured people from the earthquake-hit areas. Moreover, instructions have also been given to deploy ambulances at the Nepalgunj airport and military barracks.
Visuals from Nepal after Friday night's deadly quake
Nepal PM's reaction to 6.4 quake
Following the deadly quake, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal offered his condolences over the loss of lives. "Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has expressed his deep sorrow over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake at Ramidanda in Jajarkot at 11:47 on Friday night," Nepal PMO posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Nepal PMO's post on X
India stands in solidarity with people of Nepal: Modi
On Saturday morning, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X and said he was "deeply saddened" by the deaths and damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal. "India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, and we wish the injured a quick recovery," Modi added.
5.3-magnitude earthquake rocked Nepal last month
Friday night's earthquake comes just a few days after a 5.3-magnitude quake jolted Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on October 23. While the epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Dhading district, Nepal's National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center reported that the quake took place at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors from this quake were felt in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh as well.
