At Least 129 Killed After 5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nepal At Night
At least 129 people have been confirmed dead, and over 140 others were injured in a powerful earthquake in Nepal late on Friday night.
The epicentre of the 5.6 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 18 kilometres was the remote Jajarkot district in western Nepal.
When did the earthquake hit?
The earthquake hit at 11:47 pm local time when most residents were sleeping.
The quake's impact was felt in Kathmandu and surrounding districts and even in New Delhi in neighbouring India.
At least four aftershocks with more than 4 magnitude hit Jajarkot after the quake.
What are the worst affected areas?
The Jajarkot and Rukum districts of western Nepal were worst hit by the quake, according to state-run Nepal Television.
In Jajarkot district, where 92 people were confirmed dead and another 55 injured, the worst affected areas are Bheri, Nalgad, Kushe, Barekot and Chedagad.
There are reports that Sarita Singh, the Deputy Mayor of Nalgadh Municipality in Jajarkot, is among the quake victims.
As the roads were blocked and bridges damaged, rescue and relief works on the incident site have been obstructed, according to officials.
All three security agencies, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, have been mobilised for rescue works.
As the search and rescue operations in the quake-hit areas continue on Saturday morning, the death toll is expected to increase.
How India has offered help to Nepal?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed anguish over the loss of lives and damage caused by an earthquake in Nepal and asserted that New Delhi stands in solidarity with its neighbouring country and is ready to extend all possible assistance.
"Deeply saddened by loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and we wish the injured a quick recovery," he said on X.
Earthquakes are common in mountainous Nepal. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 killed some 9,000 people and damaged about 1 million structures.
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