Nepal hit by devastating 6.4 earthquake, claims over 140 liv

In a devastating incident, a powerful earthquake hit northwestern Nepal, leading to the unfortunate loss of more than 140 lives and causing numerous injuries. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake measured a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter Scale, with its epicentre situated in Nepal at a depth of 10 km.

This seismic event took place near the temple town of Jumla in Nepal, at around 11:32 pm as reported by NCS. The epicentre was identified in Jajarkot, which is located approximately 250 miles northeast of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center.

nepal earthquake

Image credits: X (National Center for Seismology)

In the Jajarkot district, unfortunately, 92 lives were tragically lost and 55 individuals sustained injuries, as confirmed by Kuber Kadayat, the Nepal police spokesman. The neighbouring Rukum district also experienced significant devastation, with at least 36 casualties and numerous houses collapsing. Furthermore, an additional 85 injured individuals were promptly taken to a local hospital for immediate medical attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sincerely conveyed his heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of lives and the extensive destruction caused by the devastating earthquake in Nepal. He firmly emphasized India's unshakeable commitment to extending support, declaring their unwavering solidarity with the people of Nepal and their readiness to offer any essential assistance.

epicentre jajarkot dictrict

The seismic event had a significant impact on Kathmandu and its neighbouring districts, particularly Jajarkot and Rukum, where the devastation was most severe. The sight of locals standing outside their collapsed homes is a touching reminder of the profound impact.

Nepal's Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', graciously visited the earthquake site in Jajarkot to thoroughly evaluate the situation and provide his unwavering support.

हिजो राति गएको विनासकारी भूकम्पको क्षति बुझ्न, घाइतेहरूको उद्दार र पीडितको राहतका निम्ति प्रभावित क्षेत्रमा छु। पीडितलाई राहत र घाइतेहरूको उपचारका लागि सरकार गम्भीर रहेको जानकारी गराउँदै यस कार्यमा सहकार्य र हातेमालोका लागि सम्पूर्ण राजनीतिक दल र नागरिक समाजमा अपील गर्दछु। pic.twitter.com/P9jGJ0lBOa— ☭ Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) November 4, 2023

Regrettably, due to a distressing turn of events, it was necessary to airlift a woman from the affected area in Nepalgunj, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Unfortunately, this incident signifies the occurrence of a second earthquake in Nepal with a magnitude surpassing 6 within the previous month, which followed a 6.2 magnitude quake on October 2.

Taking into account the tragic earthquake that occurred in 2015, with a magnitude of 7.8, it resulted in a loss of around 9,000 lives and extensive damage to nearly one million structures in Nepal. These recent occurrences serve as a strong indication of the region's susceptibility to seismic events.