Nepal Struck by Devastating Earthquake
Nepal Struck by Devastating Earthquake: Death Toll Reaches 157 as Families Bury Victims in Rubble
Nepal's northwest region experienced the grim aftermath of a potent earthquake that shook the land in the middle of the night. The horrifying accounts shared by survivors revealed tales of abrupt tremors followed by collapsing houses, burying entire families under the rubble. The death toll soared to 157 on Saturday, with most victims perishing under the debris of their houses, typically constructed from rocks and logs, unable to withstand the force of the midnight quake.
Rescue Operations and Impediments
Rescue operations faced significant hurdles due to the remote and mountainous locations of the affected villages. Roads were obstructed by landslides induced by the earthquake, restricting access for aid and assistance. Soldiers labored to clear these blockades while simultaneously endeavoring to reach cut-off mountainous regions, which could only be accessed on foot.
Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha conveyed the government's efforts in swiftly delivering aid to the impacted areas. In response to the sudden displacement of thousands, relief in the form of tents, food, and medicine was airlifted to assist those who found themselves homeless overnight.
Survivor Accounts: A Harrowing Ordeal
Survivors detailed harrowing experiences of the sudden and intense shaking that left homes in ruins. Bimal Kumar Karki, one of the early casualties brought to the regional hospital, recounted the horrifying ordeal of being trapped under debris. "I screamed, but every one of my neighbors was in the same situation and screaming for help. It took nearly a half-hour to an hour before rescuers found me," he described.
Another survivor, Tika Ram Rana, revealed his own story, sharing, "I was asleep at night, and around 10 or 11 at night, it started shaking, and the house caved. So many houses have collapsed, and so many people have been buried."
Scale of the Earthquake and Regional Impact
Reports from the U.S. Geological Survey pointed to a preliminary magnitude of 5.6, striking at a depth of 11 miles (18 kilometers). Nepal's National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center identified Jajarkot as the epicenter, approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) northeast of the capital, Kathmandu.
Jajarkot and the adjacent Rukum district were the hardest hit, resulting in 105 and 52 confirmed deaths, respectively. Another 184 individuals were injured, with security officials working tirelessly alongside locals to extricate the wounded from collapsed homes.
Rescue Efforts and Assistance
The regional hospital in Nepalgunj, in anticipation of the influx of injured victims, readied more than 100 beds with teams of doctors prepared to provide aid. Rescue operations were augmented by helicopters, as well as smaller government and army planes shuttling the injured to Nepalgunj.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, arriving with a medical team, immediately offered support, drawing from his prior leadership during a historical armed conflict in these very regions. The seismic event, felt even in India's capital, New Delhi, more than 800 kilometers (500 miles) away, resonated deeply across the border.
Offer of Assistance and Commiseration
Neighboring India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed solidarity with Nepal, offering support in the rescue endeavors. In a social media post, Modi conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the earthquake, assuring Nepal of India's unwavering assistance in this dire situation.
The recent quake, while reminiscent of the 2015 earthquake that ravaged Nepal, invoked shared grief and a joint commitment between the two nations to extend aid and help overcome the challenging aftermath.