Minutes before Friday midnight, officials reported that a powerful earthquake had rocked parts of northwest Nepal. Around 800 kilometers (500 miles) away, in the Indian city of New Delhi, the earthquake struck when many people had already fallen asleep in their houses. Estimated preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and depth of 11 miles were reported by the U.S. Geological Survey for the earthquake. Jajarkot, roughly 250 miles northeast of Kathmandu, is the epicenter of the earthquake, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center of Nepal.
Saismologist warns Indian to be vigilant
Seismologist Ajay Paul issued a warning, advising people to stay vigilant and ready, as the central belt of Nepal has been classified as a “actively energy releasing sector.”
Tremor felt in Bihar, no casualty reported
Authorities reported on Saturday that a 6.4-magnitude earthquake had struck neighboring Nepal, causing strong tremors to be felt in several districts of Bihar. Nevertheless, the state did not report any fatalities or property damage. The earthquakes were felt in Patna, Katihar, East Champaran, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, Sasaram, Nawada, and numerous other districts near the India-Pakistan border, according to the Bihar Disaster Management Department.
Helpline number for Indian in Nepal
The Indian Embassy in Nepal released a helpline number for Indians regarding any information about the earthquake to provide assistance. The announcement was made online on X stating, “#Emergency Contact Number for Indians requiring assistance due to the recent earthquake in Nepal: +977-9851316807.”
Crucial images recovered from the earthquake
(Trigger Warning) The Jajarkot and Rukum districts of western Nepal were worst hit by the quake, according to state-run Nepal Television. (IMAGES)
No major damage in Northern Indian states
The tremors shook buildings and sent people running into the street late at night in New Delhi, which was about 600 km (370 miles) away, as well as other parts of north India. There have been no reports of damage in the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which share a border with Nepal, according to their authorities.
Rescuers struggle to find Nepal quake survivors, deaths at 137
Rescue workers in Nepal began digging through the rubble of collapsed houses with their hands on Saturday, searching for survivors after the country’s worst earthquake in eight years killed 137 people and shook buildings as far away as New Delhi.
PM Modi expresses concern for Nepal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the latest earthquake in Nepal and stands in solidarity with Nepal. He writes on his X handle, “Deeply saddened by loss of lives and damage due to 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.”
Death toll increases to around 140
A strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal shortly before midnight on Friday, devastating hundreds of homes in the isolated mountainous area of the Himalayan nation and leaving at least 140 people dead and numerous others injured.
PM Dahal arrives at Jajarkot to meet affected people
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ expressed grief over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake. Taking to X, the Nepal Prime Minister’s Office stated, “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 and has mobilized all 3 security agencies for the immediate rescue and relief of the injured.” (READ MORE)
Earthquake 2023: Why does Nepal face frequent earthquake attacks?
Earthquakes frequently occur in Nepal because the country is situated on a major geological faultline where the Indian tectonic plate pushes up into the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayas.
Last month earthquake in Nepal shook India as well
Last month in October, Nepal faced another earthquake that also struck North India including parts of National Capital. However, not much damage had been done since the earthquake on October 3. There were 17 reported injuries and property damage at the time, according to a Reuters report. A landslide that blocked a highway was also caused by it, according to the report.
Strongest quake in 8 years
The Friday night earthquake in Nepal with a magnitude of 6.2 is recorded to be the strongest quake in the last 8 years. In April, 2015, a earthquake of 7.8 and 8.1 magnitude struck Nepal that had killed almost 9,000 people in total.
Death toll rises to 132
The Nepal Police has confirmed total death toll to be 132. The epicenter, Jajarkot, alone accounted for 92 deaths and 55 injured people. While the Rukum District counted for 37 deaths and 85 have been brutely inured. (READ MORE)
Visuals from Bheri, Nepal
According to sources, 55 persons were injured and 92 verified deaths occurred in the Jajarkot district, the epicentre. According to Nepal police spokesman Kuber Kadayat, at least 85 injured individuals were sent to the nearby hospital after the earthquake claimed the lives of at least 36 people in the Rukum region, where many houses fell.