An earthquake shakes Nepal’s Lamidanda region and sends tremors across northern India
Nepal was struck by a 6.4-magnitude Earthquake
In a concerning turn of events, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake recently rocked Nepal’s Lamidanda area, situated in the Jajarkot district. This seismic event, which occurred at a depth of 10 km, sent shockwaves across the region. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located at a latitude of 28.84 N and a longitude of 82.19 E. This marks the third occurrence of a significant earthquake in Nepal in just a month, raising alarm bells. Furthermore, the earthquake’s tremors were felt as far as Delhi-NCR and several other cities in North India, creating a widespread sense of unease.
Latest Developments
Epicenter and Devastation in Jajarkot, Nepal
Nepal’s National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center has confirmed that the epicenter of the earthquake is in Jajarkot, approximately 250 miles northeast of Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital. Tragically, officials have reported at least 69 casualties, with dozens more sustaining injuries, in the mountainous northwest regions of Nepal. Regrettably, this death toll is expected to rise as rescue and relief efforts are underway.
Impact on Northern India
The earthquake’s impact extended to the northern parts of India, with residents in Delhi and neighboring areas describing their experiences. One Delhi resident recounted, “I was lying on the bed when it started shaking, and I immediately called my sister, who was sleeping next to me. When we went to the balcony, there was a lot of noise coming from outside.” Another resident in Noida shared, “I was watching TV and suddenly felt a little dizzy. Then, I saw the news about the earthquake on TV, and I came out of my home.” Additionally, tremors were reported in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and Patna, Bihar.
Nepal’s Response
Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the prime minister of Nepal, expressed his deep sorrow over the earthquake’s human and material losses in response to the disaster. He swiftly mobilized all three security agencies to initiate immediate rescue and relief operations for the injured.
Challenges in Relief Efforts
Local authorities face significant challenges in their efforts to reach the affected areas, with communications cut off in many villages. In the Jajarkot district, 17 individuals have been confirmed dead, according to government administration official Harish Chandra Sharma. According to police official Narvaraj Bhattarai, the earthquake has also claimed at least 20 lives in Nepal’s Rukum district, where several houses have collapsed.
Suresh Sunar, the Jajarkot district official, reported that at least 20 people have been injured and have been rushed to the hospital. Sunar also explained the difficulties in gathering information from remote areas due to the cold and nighttime conditions, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In addition, local officials have been unable to make contact with the Jajarkot village, where the epicenter is located and which is home to a population of 190,000. Police official Namaraj Bhattarai shared that rescue and search teams are working tirelessly to clear roads blocked by dry landslides caused by the earthquake, allowing them to reach the affected areas.
The earthquake has undoubtedly left a significant impact on both Nepal and parts of northern India, prompting swift responses and ongoing relief efforts to aid those affected by this natural disaster.
