Nepal Earthquake News: Death Toll Reaches 157 as Tremors Rock Himalayan Nation
Nepal Earthquake Death Toll: Magnitude 6.4 Quake Strikes Remote Region, Echoes of 2015 Tragedy Resurface
Nepal Earthquake Death Toll Latest News Updates: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Nepal was hit by a powerful magnitude 6.4 earthquake, resulting in the loss of at least 157 lives and leaving countless injured, said Reports. The seismic catastrophe struck a remote mountainous region nestled in the picturesque Himalayan hills during the late hours of Friday, rekindling traumatic memories of the nation's 2015 earthquake disaster.
The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre reported that the earthquake, which hit at precisely 11:47 pm, had its epicenter located in the Jajarkot district. This event is a haunting reminder of the 2015 earthquake when a magnitude 7.8 quake, followed by relentless aftershocks, claimed the lives of nearly 9,000 people and left over 22,000 individuals injured. The recent earthquake stands as the most destructive to hit the nation since that fateful year.
The tremors from the quake were not confined to the epicenter region; they resonated through the heart of Kathmandu and its surrounding districts, extending as far as India's capital, New Delhi.
Krishna Prasad Bhandari, the spokesperson for the Nepal Army, reported that the Nepal Army swiftly mobilized its personnel for immediate rescue operations at the site of the earthquake. Preliminary assessments indicate that the worst-hit areas were the Jajarkot and Rukum districts in western Nepal.
The Prime Minister's Secretariat disclosed that the death toll in Jajarkot and Rukum has tragically risen to 140, with an equal number of people sustaining injuries. Regrettably, this number is expected to climb further as search and rescue efforts continue. Among the victims was Sarita Singh, the Deputy Mayor of Nalgarh Municipality in Jajarkot.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center recorded approximately 159 aftershocks, adding to the anxiety of the affected population. Fearing further tremors and potential structural damage, many individuals opted to spend the night outdoors. Social media posts showcased heroic efforts to rescue people trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings during the dark and tumultuous hours following the earthquake.
Nepal's Prime Minister, Pushpakmal Dahal 'Prachand,' wasted no time and promptly visited the affected area on Saturday morning, accompanied by a medical team. His mission was to assess the extent of the damage, inspect affected areas alongside the Chief District Officer, and oversee rescue operations. Currently, the injured are receiving medical treatment at Surkhet District Hospital, as Prime Minister Prachanda has directed security agencies to expedite relief and rescue operations to aid those affected by this devastating earthquake.
Nepal's Army and Police, alongside the Armed Police Forces, have been tirelessly engaged in these rescue operations. On an international front, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed his condolences and pledged solidarity with Nepal, extending all possible support in this hour of need.