Following an earthquake in Jajarkot, Nepal, on November 4, 2023, military personnel transport an injured individual on a stretcher.
An overnight earthquake in a remote area of Nepal claimed the lives of at least 132 individuals, according to officials, prompting security forces to quickly join in rescue operations.
Late on Friday, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the far western region of the Himalayan country and was recorded by the US Geological Survey as having a depth of only 18 kilometers (11 miles).
On social media, videos and images depicted residents digging through debris in darkness to rescue survivors trapped in the ruins of homes and structures.
As the sirens of emergency vehicles blared, survivors huddled outside for safety, with mud houses either flattened or partially damaged.
This image, courtesy of the Nepal Prime Minister’s Office, displays a region in northwestern Nepal impacted by the earthquake on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
The earthquake’s effects extended as distant as India’s capital, New Delhi, which is approximately 500 kilometers from the epicenter located 42 kilometers south of Jumla.
Home Ministry spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai informed AFP that the earthquake’s most severely affected districts were Jajarkot, with a death toll of 92, and Rukum, with 40 casualties.
Kuber Kathayat, the national police spokesperson, stated that the authorities had recorded over 100 individuals injured in both districts.
Gopal Chandra Bhattarai, the police spokesperson for Karnali Province, informed AFP that security forces have been dispatched to aid in search and rescue efforts.
“The remoteness of the districts makes it difficult for information to get through,” he added.
“Some roads had been blocked by damage, but we are trying to reach the area through alternate routes.”
The local hospital was crowded with community members who were bringing in wounded individuals.
After conveying his profound condolences for the human and structural losses, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal visited the earthquake-affected area on Saturday.
“The government is serious about providing relief to victims and treating the injured,” he added.
In neighbouring India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives.
“India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance,” he added.