Nepal Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 35, Hundreds Hospitalized
A devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Nepal's Jajarkot district has resulted in the death of 35 individuals, with hundreds more hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the quake.
On the night of November 3, 2023, a catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 rattled Nepal, particularly impacting the Jajarkot district. The aftermath of this seismic event has been heart-wrenching, with the death toll now confirmed to have risen to 35, and hundreds more hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the quake.
The National Seismological Centre of Nepal pinpointed the earthquake’s epicenter to the Lamidanda area in Jajarkot district. In Nepal, the situation was dire. Initial reports from India Today indicated that at least 24 individuals lost their lives, with 10 from Jajarkot and 14 from the Western Rukum district. Among the casualties were a woman and a child from the same household. However, as rescue and recovery operations continued, the death toll has tragically climbed to 35.
Jajarkot district official, Suresh Sunar, communicated the challenges faced in the immediate aftermath of the quake. “Due to the cold and night, it is difficult to get information from remote areas,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the mobilization of rescue personnel.
Local media showcased distressing visuals of multi-storied brick houses with crumbled facades, painting a grim picture of the devastation. Residents of neighboring districts, including Dailekh, Salyan, and Rolpa, reported injuries and property damage. Many of the injured are currently receiving treatment at the Jajarkot District Hospital.
The Himalayan nation of Nepal is no stranger to earthquakes. In recent history, a series of quakes in October 2023, with the strongest being of magnitude 6.2, had jolted the country. Furthermore, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 resulted in the death of over 12,000 people and caused extensive damage to nearly a million structures.
This recent earthquake serves as a somber reminder of the region’s tectonic vulnerabilities. As Nepal grapples with the aftermath, international aid and support are crucial. The global community is urged to come forward and assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
For those in affected areas, experts advise staying informed, following safety guidelines, and being prepared for potential aftershocks. The importance of open spaces during tremors and the dangers of re-entering buildings immediately after a quake are being reiterated by safety experts.
