The Devastating Earthquake
In the late hours of Friday, a devastating 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the remote western districts of the Himalayan republic of Nepal. The quake, which was just 18 kilometers deep, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 157 lives.
The Aftermath
The earthquake’s epicenter was 42km (about 26 miles) from Jumla, Nepal, in Karnali province. The quake led to the collapse of numerous houses, burying families under the rubble. The aftermath was a scene of utter devastation, people digging through the rubble to pull survivors from the remains.
The Human Toll
The human toll of the disaster is heart-wrenching. As of now, at least 157 people have been confirmed dead. Close to the quake’s epicenter in Jajarkot district, authorities confirmed the death of 92 people and reported 55 injuries. In the nearby Rukam West district, 37 individuals lost their lives, and 85 sustained injuries. One survivor, Geethakumari Bista, recounted how rescuers saved her elder daughter, but she lost her younger daughter when their house collapsed.
The Response
In response to the disaster, security forces have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts. Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, arrived in the affected region on Saturday, expressing his “deep sorrow” at the loss of life and property wrought by the quake. He ordered security agencies to immediately launch rescue and relief operations.
A History of Quakes
Nepal, which lies where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet to create the towering Himalayan mountain range, is no stranger to earthquakes. In 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the nation, killing at least 9,000 people.
Insiders View
As the nation grapples with this latest disaster, the focus is on rescue and relief operations. The international community, including organizations like Unicef Nepal, are assessing the damage and the toll of the disaster on children and families. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the resilience of the Nepalese people is unquestionable. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event.
