At least 128 people dead after powerful earthquake hits western Nepal

At least 128 people have died following a strong earthquake that struck western Nepal. Survivors have described how their houses collapsed, burying entire families. The majority of those killed were crushed by debris when their houses, usually made from rocks and logs, crumbled under the force of the tremor. Rescue efforts are being hampered by the fact that many affected villages can only be reached on foot, and roads are blocked by landslides triggered by the earthquake. The government is working to provide aid to those impacted, including tents, food, and medicine.

Many survivors have recounted terrifying experiences, with houses collapsing suddenly while they were asleep. Rescue teams are focused on finding survivors and providing assistance to the injured. The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and struck at a depth of 11 miles. The epicenter was in the Jajarkot district, around 250 miles northeast of the capital, Kathmandu.

In the aftermath of this earthquake, it is important to note that earthquakes are common in mountainous Nepal, with a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurring in 2015 that claimed the lives of approximately 9,000 people and caused significant damage to structures. Neighboring India has offered to assist in the rescue efforts, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed solidarity with the people of Nepal.

Sources:
– Image Source: Nepal Prime Minister’s Office via AP
– Nepal quake death toll rises to 157 as rescuers search collapsed houses – CBS News