An earthquake has struck the western region of Nepal, leading to the loss of over 150 lives and causing damage to property. This natural calamity occurred on November 4, 2023.
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The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.4, originated in Nepal’s Jajarkot district. The epicenter of the quake was located in the Lamidanda area, about 500 kilometers west of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.
The impact of the quake was felt not only in Nepal but also in neighboring India, including the capital city of Delhi. The tremors were strong and sudden, catching residents off guard and causing panic and chaos.
As a result of this powerful quake, over 150 lives have been lost, and more than 100 people injured. Reports of injuries and property damage are from various districts, including Dailekh, Salyan, and Rolpa.
The focus of the authorities is on rescuing survivors, providing medical assistance, and recovering bodies of the deceased. The death toll is expected to rise as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of life and property caused by the earthquake.
He ordered security agencies to launch rescue and relief operations. However, these operations face challenges due to blocked roads caused by landslides triggered by the quake. Nepal is known for its difficult terrain, and access to remote areas can be a tough task.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also expressed solidarity with Nepal and offered assistance. The worldwide community and organizations like Unicef are assessing the damage and its impact on children and families.
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Nepal is situated along the Himalayan mountain range, a region that is known for its high seismic activity. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates in this area has given rise to the magnificent Himalayan peaks but has also made it prone to frequent earthquakes.
One of the most devastating earthquakes in recently occurred in 2015. This earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8 and resulted in destruction and loss of life.
The earthquakes of 2015 destroyed or damaged more than 800,000 houses, primarily in the western and central districts.
Government buildings, roads, and historic monuments, including Unesco world heritage sites, were not spared, leading to a long and challenging recovery process.
The impact of the 2015 earthquakes was not confined to Nepal alone. The tremors were felt in neighboring regions, including India, and triggered an international response to provide aid and support.
The stories of those who survived this recent earthquake are inspiring. Geethakumari Bista, a survivor, shared her experience of being trapped in her collapsing house with her two daughters. Her elder daughter was rescued, but, her younger daughter lost her life in the disaster.
Laxman Pun, another survivor, described the terrifying experience of feeling his house shake violently during the earthquake. The fear that people in affected regions felt during the quake are unimaginable.
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Siddha Bohora, a bank manager from Jajarkot, recounted the chaos and destruction caused by the earthquake.
The images of houses collapsing and the dust filling the air are etched in the memories of those who lived through this nightmare.
Many people had to spend the night in the open, fearing further quakes and the collapse of their damaged houses.
The rugged terrain, prone to landslides and difficult accessibility, poses obstacles for responders. Roads blocked by landslides complicate the efforts to reach affected areas.
The need for tents and temporary shelter for the displaced is also a pressing concern, as many homes have been damaged or destroyed.
As rescue and relief efforts continue in the affected areas, several challenges must be addressed. The remote and rugged terrain of Jajarkot and West Rukum presents logistical difficulties for first responders.
The immediate focus is on finding survivors, providing medical care to the injured, and retrieving the bodies of the deceased. Landslides and damaged roads complicate these efforts.
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