Nepal Mobilizes Relief Efforts Following Destructive Earthquake, Death Toll Climbs to 157

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The aftermath of a powerful earthquake in Nepal’s northwest region, occurring during the night, has brought forth harrowing accounts of sudden tremors leading to the collapse of homes and the tragic burying of families. By Saturday, the number of fatalities had escalated to 157.

The quake, striking shortly after midnight on Friday, was most lethal for those whose homes, constructed from a combination of rocks and timber, could not withstand the quake’s intensity, according to local reports.

Difficulties have beset rescue and relief efforts due to the remote access of the affected mountainous communities, reachable only by traversing on foot. The situation was further complicated by landslides, precipitated by the earthquake, obstructing roadways. Military personnel have been observed endeavoring to remove debris to restore access.

Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha on Saturday confirmed the government’s commitment to delivering vital aid to the disaster-stricken localities. Essential supplies, including tents, food, and medical provisions, were promptly airlifted to the region, offering some relief to the thousands rendered homeless.

Bimal Kumar Karki, a survivor receiving treatment at a local hospital, recounted the terrifying experience: “There was a violent jolt that awoke me, and before I could flee, my house was in ruins. Buried under rubble, it was almost an hour before rescue teams reached me,” he recollected amidst his ordeal.

Another survivor, Tika Ram Rana, echoed a similar experience from his hospital bed, with injuries evident by his head ensconced in bandages.

Focused on both aid and search operations, rescue teams, including military units, have been shown on local television assisting with the recovery of casualties and supporting those wounded.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake’s preliminary magnitude at 5.6 with a depth of 11 miles (18 kilometers). Its epicenter, as identified by Nepal’s National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center, was near Jajarkot, roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Kathmandu.

In the Jajarkot district, a predominantly agrarian zone, the death toll has reached at least 105, with neighboring Rukum district reporting 52 casualties. The injured tally at 184.

With a commitment to ongoing efforts, security forces labored alongside locals into the night, searching for survivors and victims. The death toll is anticipated to rise given the ongoing communication disruptions.

The regional hospital in Nepalgunj prepared over 100 beds and had medical teams on standby to tend to the wounded. Various aircraft, including rescue helicopters and smaller planes, have been deployed for medical evacuations to Nepalgunj.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with a medical team, arrived by helicopter. Dahal is familiar with the affected districts, having led a decade-long armed insurgency starting there.

The tremor also reverberated as far as India’s capital, New Delhi, located over 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the epicenter.

Nepal is prone to seismic activity, with a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 resulting in approximately 9,000 deaths and widespread structural damage.

In response, India has extended an offer to assist, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his sorrow over the incident and pledging support to the people of Nepal through social media channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nepal Earthquake Relief

More about Nepal Earthquake Relief

• Nepal Earthquake Casualty Report
• Challenges in Nepal Earthquake Rescue Efforts
• Humanitarian Aid for Nepal Quake Survivors
• International Response to Nepal Earthquake