Nepal Earthquake: Earthquake causes massive devastation in Nepal, difficulties in relief work; 157 people have died so far

The earthquake that occurred in Nepal on Friday night has caused massive devastation. This earthquake is the worst earthquake in eight years, in which 157 people have lost their lives so far. After the earthquake, relief and rescue workers have started the rescue operation.

When did the earthquake occur in Nepal?

According to the National Seismological Center of Nepal, this earthquake occurred at 11.47 pm on Friday night. Its intensity was measured at 6.4 on the Richter scale. At the same time, the German Research Center for Geosciences said that the intensity of the earthquake was 5.7, while according to the American Geological Survey the intensity of the earthquake was 5.6.

Death toll may increase

According to news agency Reuters, officials have expressed fear that the death toll may increase. According to Jajarkot district official Harish Chandra Sharma, the number of injured could be in hundreds.

People were sleeping at the time of earthquake

Officials said the intensity of the earthquake was not severe, but the damage and death toll were likely high due to the poor quality of construction in the area. People were sleeping when the earthquake occurred. He said rescue operations were expected to be slow as emergency teams had to clear roads blocked by landslides in many places.

Nine thousand people were killed in the earthquake

Earlier, around nine thousand people were killed in two earthquakes in 2015. The entire town, centuries-old temples and other historical sites were then reduced to debris. Additionally, more than 10 lakh houses were destroyed.

Major impact of earthquake in Jajarkot and Rukum West districts

Officials said 99 people were killed and 55 injured in Jajarkot in Karnali province. At the same time, 38 people were killed in Rukum West district, while 85 people were injured. The epicenter of the earthquake was in Ramidanda village. Officials said that the earthquake badly affected three towns and three villages in Jajarkot, which has a population of 1 lakh 90 thousand.

Effect of earthquake visible in India also

The quake was felt about 600 km away in New Delhi and other parts of northern India, shaking buildings and forcing people to flee into the streets. There has been no news of any damage in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand adjacent to Nepal.

PM Modi expressed grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is deeply saddened by the loss of life and damage to property caused by the earthquake in Nepal. India is ready to extend solidarity and all possible assistance to the people of Nepal. Our condolences are with the bereaved families.