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Rescue Workers Begin Recovery Efforts After Deadly Nepal Earthquake
KATHMANDU, Nov 4 (Reuters) – Urgent recovery efforts are underway in Nepal as rescue workers tirelessly dig through the rubble of collapsed houses following the country’s most devastating earthquake in eight years. The magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the Jajarkot region in the west of Nepal on Friday, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of 157 people. Officials fear that the death toll will rise as first responders make their way to the affected area.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the village of Ramidanda, approximately 500 km (300 miles) west of the capital city, Kathmandu. Despite the relatively moderate magnitude, the high death toll can be attributed to the poor quality of construction in the area and the fact that the earthquake struck while people were asleep. The impact has been amplified by the remoteness of the affected villages and the landslides that have blocked roads, hindering rescue efforts.
This devastating earthquake is the deadliest to hit Nepal since 2015, when two earthquakes killed around 9,000 people. During that disaster, millions of houses were destroyed, ancient temples were reduced to rubble, and the economy suffered losses totaling $6 billion. The current death toll includes 105 victims in Jajarkot and 52 in the neighboring Rukum West district. Aftershocks continue to rattle the region, with 175 recorded in Jajarkot, six of which registered a magnitude of 4 or higher.
The Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has flown to the affected area with a 16-member army medical team to oversee rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. The Prime Minister’s office has also made an appeal for public donations to provide much-needed assistance to survivors, including food, water, clothing, and temporary shelter. Neighboring countries India and China have offered their assistance, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his condolences and pledging to support Nepal during this difficult time.
