At least 128 people were killed and several others injured after an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck Nepal late Friday night. Communication networks are cut off in several places and the toll is expected to rise, officials said as rescuers search the mountain villages.
The epicentre of the quake recorded at 11:47 pm local time was at Jajarkot, which lies northeast to the capital city of Kathmandu. Tremors were also felt in New Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on Friday night. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and occurred at a shallow depth of about 18 km. Earthquakes originating at shallow depths are usually more powerful and can unleash more destruction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed anguish over the loss of lives and stated that India ready to extend all possible help to Nepal.
"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," he said on X.
As per reports early Saturday morning, Jajarkot and West Rukum regions have faced the most damage with at least 44 deaths in Jajarkot district alone. "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 am (local time)," Hari Prasad Pant, Chief District Officer of West Rukum told ANI. According to the Kathmandu Post, over 140 people have been injured so far.
Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed grief over the loss of lives and mobilised security forces for search and relief operations.
Several houses collapsed and search teams are working with villagers to rescue the injured from amid the rubble. However, landslides triggered by the quake have made several regions inaccessible, officials said.
The earthquake-prone Himalayan nation was battered by a 7.8 magnitude quake in 2015 which left 9,000 people dead. Most recently, on October 22, a 6.1 magnitude quake had rattled Kathmandu, but no damages or casualties were reported.
