Nepal earthquake: Death toll rises to 128, over 100 injured

A powerful earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.4, struck Nepal during the late hours of Friday, resulting in a devastating toll. The latest reports indicate that the death toll has climbed to 128, with at least 141 people sustaining injuries, as per The Kathmandu Post.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ has hurried to the affected areas to oversee and coordinate the response to this natural disaster. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Nepal, and its effects rippled through various districts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

The hardest-hit areas appear to be Jajarkot and West Rukum. Jajarkot reported a significant loss of life, with 92 casualties, including Nalgad Municipality Deputy Mayor Sarita Singh. In the district’s Ramidanda, under Barekot Rural Municipality, 44 people lost their lives, and 70 others suffered injuries, according to the Karnali Province Police.

In Jajarkot, more than 55 people were injured, with five of them being transported to Karnali Province Hospital in Surkhet, while the rest received medical care in various local institutes.

West Rukum also faced a grim situation, with 36 lives lost, as reported by Deputy Superintendent of Police Namaraj Bhattarai. Aathbiskot Municipality reported 36 fatalities, and an additional eight people perished in Sanibheri Rural Municipality. The number of injured individuals in West Rukum has reached 85, with evacuation efforts underway for those with severe injuries.

The impact of the earthquake was widespread, severely affecting areas such as Bheri, Nalgad, Kushe, Barekot, and Chedagad in Jajarkot district. Search and rescue operations are in full swing, with all security forces actively involved in these efforts.

Dedicated hospitals, including Bheri Hospital, Kohalpur Medical College, Nepalgunj Military Hospital, and Police Hospital, have been established to provide medical care to the injured. Additionally, all helicopter operators in Nepal are on standby, regular flights have been canceled, and efforts are being made to transport the injured from earthquake-affected regions to other areas.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ expressed his condolences for the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that he has activated all three security agencies for immediate rescue and relief operations.