A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck western Nepal, triggering casualties and widespread damage. Initial reports indicate that at least 128 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured as authorities mobilized resources in the immediate aftermath. In the wake of the quake, the government activated three rescue teams to reach affected populations and deliver urgent medical aid and shelter to survivors.
Local officials from the Jajarkot district, near the epicenter, cautioned that the death toll could rise as assessments continued. The district administration emphasized that early tallies are likely to change as teams gain access to affected areas and as information trickles in from rural communities that bore the brunt of the shaking.
In the initial hours, police authorities in the nearby West Rukum district reported significant losses, with 28 confirmed fatalities by early morning and a further 20 deaths recorded in Jajarkot. While these figures provide a snapshot, officials warned that the full scope of damage would only be clear once daylight allowed comprehensive surveys and search operations to proceed.
Both districts in western Nepal bore the brunt of the disaster, but authorities stressed that other regions across the mountainous country could also be affected. Details about injuries and additional casualties in districts beyond the two hardest hit were not immediately available, as officials prepared for a cautious, dawn-based briefing to provide more precise numbers.
Early information suggests several aftershocks followed the initial quake, with at least three registering magnitudes of 4.2 or higher within the first hour. These aftershocks have complicated rescue efforts and heightened concerns for stability in damaged structures across the affected zones.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, conveyed condolences for the loss of life and the damage to property. An official statement noted that the Prime Minister visited Ramidanda in Jajarkot, arriving at 11:47 a.m. local time on Friday, where authorities coordinated with security agencies to expedite rescue operations and provide relief to injured residents. The Prime Minister’s Office published the update on its social media channels, reflecting the rapid mobilization of government resources and the priority given to shelter, medical care, and family reunification efforts.
According to the National Seismological Center, the event was recorded at 23:47 local time with a magnitude of 6.4, and the epicenter was located in Nepal at a depth of roughly 10 kilometers. This shallow depth helped magnify ground shaking, contributing to the extent of the damage seen in vulnerable settlements and older infrastructure that lines many rural valleys.
Beyond Nepal, the tremor was felt in parts of northern India, where residents described a strong, lingering oscillation. The Times of India reported that New Delhi experienced noticeable shaking, underscoring how seismic events in the Himalayan region can traverse borders and affect large urban centers. Authorities in neighboring countries issued safety guidance and monitoring updates as the situation evolved.