At least 132 people were killed after a devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal’s remote western Jajarkot district late Friday night. The powerful tremors caused widespread damage, with the death toll expected to rise as rescuers dig through collapsed homes and buildings.

Locals Seen Desperately Searching for Survivors in Rubble of Damaged Houses

Harrowing footage showed locals scrambling through the wreckage of collapsed houses and buildings in the dark, desperately searching for survivors buried under the rubble. Many homes sustained severe damage or were completely destroyed, leaving residents fearing for their lives as they huddled outside amid blaring emergency sirens. Even India’s capital New Delhi, located over 500 km away, felt the strong tremors emanating from the earthquake’s epicenter. In addition, you can also read an article on- Is Bangladesh Prepared to Face The Rage of An Earthquake [Expert Analysis]

India’s Bihar State Also Witnesses Strong Tremors Along Nepal Border

India’s Bihar state, which shares a border with Nepal, reported tremors in several districts including Patna, Katihar, East Champaran, and Muzaffarpur. The earthquake’s shockwaves were felt as far as 227 km from the epicenter, located north of Ayodhya and 331 km northwest of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. Tremors caused panic among locals in Kathmandu valley and surrounding areas, with the worst damage reported from Nepal’s western Jajarkot and Rukum districts.

Nepal PM Offers Condolences, Mobilizes All Security Forces for Rescue Efforts

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal offered condolences and said all security forces have been mobilized for immediate rescue and relief efforts. “Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has expressed his deep sorrow over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake at Ramidanda in Jajarkot at 11:47 on Friday night and has mobilized all 3 security agencies for the immediate rescue and relief of the injured,” the Nepal PMO stated. Additionally, you can also read about- Afghanistan Earthquake Kills Over 2,000 as Aid Groups Rush to Help Survivors

India’s PM Modi Expresses Sadness, Offers Assistance to Quake-Hit Nepal

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives and offered condolences to bereaved families. “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,” PM Modi stated.

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. @cmprachanda

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2023

Nepal Prone to Deadly Earthquakes Due to Collision of Tectonic Plates

Nepal sits in a seismically active region at the collision point between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which form the Himalayas. This makes the country especially vulnerable to devastating earthquakes like the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude quake in 2015 which killed nearly 9,000 people.

You May Find Interest: Indian Tectonic Plate: The Risk Factors for a Massive Himalayan Earthquake