NEPAL – A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 on the Richter scale struck western Nepal on Friday, resulting in the reported death of at least 128 people.
Additionally, around 140 individuals were injured in the earthquake, which occurred at approximately 11:47 pm, according to an Independent news report.
The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre identified the epicenter in the remote Jajarkot district of western Nepal.
On Saturday morning, rescue helicopters arrived in the affected area to provide assistance, as reported by local media. Ground security forces continued their efforts to rescue the injured and retrieve bodies from the debris, according to Nepal police spokesman Kuber Kadayat.
The earthquake caused significant damage to numerous houses, leading to their collapse or severe structural damage. A series of aftershocks further intensified the distress, leaving survivors gathered outside.
Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpakamal Dahal “Prachanda,” was en route to the affected area with a medical team on Saturday morning, as reported by the Kathmandu Post.
He also expressed his deep condolences for the human and material losses via his X account.
Both the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel were mobilized to conduct rescue operations.
