Tragedy struck Nepal as a powerful 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit isolated western districts of the country, claiming at least 143 lives, as reported by officials on Saturday.
The quake, which occurred late on Friday, was felt as far as India’s capital, New Delhi, nearly 500 kilometers away from the epicenter. The US Geological Survey (USGS) measured the quake’s depth at a mere 18 kilometers, leading to widespread devastation across the affected area.
The force of the tremor not only woke households from their slumber but also razed mud houses in communities throughout the impacted site. Rescue efforts have been underway, with security forces rushing to assist survivors. Dozens of people with fractures and head injuries were promptly transported to a hospital in Nepalgunj, a small city located near the Indian border.
Footage posted on social media illustrated locals working tirelessly to extricate survivors from the debris of collapsed structures, all while others sought refuge in the darkness outside. Jajarkot and Rukum were identified as the worst-hit districts, with 105 and 38 reported fatalities, respectively. Over 100 others were recorded to be injured across both areas.
The challenging terrain and the remoteness of the districts have posed significant obstacles to the rescue operations. While some roads were obstructed by damage, authorities are striving to reach the affected areas through alternate routes. The district hospital has been inundated with injured residents, further underscoring the urgency and scale of the disaster -AFP
