At least 128 people have tragically lost their lives in a powerful earthquake that struck Nepal, according to the local police in the capital city of Kathmandu. Reports indicate that dozens more have been injured as a result of the quake. Authorities fear that the number of victims may rise as the situation unfolds.
The Jajarkot district, located near the epicentre of the earthquake, has been particularly hard-hit. Representatives of the local administration are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts. Unfortunately, there are no confirmed figures on casualties from other parts of the mountainous region at this time.
The National Earthquake Monitoring Centre (NEMRC) has reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4 and occurred at 11:47 pm (1802 GMT) on Friday. However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) puts the magnitude slightly lower, at 5.6. The aftershocks following the main quake have also been significant, with at least three registering a magnitude of 4.2 or higher.
The impact of the earthquake was felt beyond the borders of Nepal, reaching the northern regions of India, including the capital city of New Delhi. Reports from Indian media, such as the Times of India, confirm that residents felt the tremors as well.
Nepal, situated in the Himalayan region, is known for its high seismic activity. The country lies at the junction of the Indian continental plate and the Eurasian plate. The constant shifting of these tectonic plates, at a rate of approximately two centimetres per year, leads to frequent and powerful earthquakes in the region.
This devastating earthquake brings back painful memories of the catastrophic quake that struck Nepal in 2015. The capital city of Kathmandu was at the epicentre of that disaster, which resulted in the collapse of numerous buildings and claimed the lives of approximately 9,000 people. The aftermath left millions homeless and caused immense damage to the country.
As the affected communities in Nepal grapple with this new tragedy, it is imperative that both local and international support is mobilized swiftly to provide relief and assistance to those in need.
Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal during this difficult time.
Distributed by Media Talk Africa
