Kathmandu: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Nepal late on Friday, resulting in a tragic toll of 128 lives lost and over 100 people injured, as reported by The Kathmandu Post. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has already departed for the affected areas to assess the situation.
According to the latest information available as of 3 am local time on Saturday, the districts of Jajarkot and West Rukum bore the brunt of the disaster. Jajarkot witnessed the highest casualties, with 92 reported deaths, as confirmed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Roka. In the Ramidanda area of Barekot Rural Municipality within Jajarkot, 44 individuals lost their lives and 70 more sustained injuries, according to the Karnali Province Police.
In Jajarkot, more than 55 people were injured, with five of them transported to the Karnali Province Hospital in Surkhet, while the remaining victims received medical care at various facilities within the district. Meanwhile, the death toll in West Rukum has climbed to 36, as per preliminary data provided by Deputy Superintendent of Police Namaraj Bhattarai. Aathbiskot Municipality reported 36 fatalities, and Sanibheri Rural Municipality recorded eight more.
To address the escalating medical needs, Bheri Hospital, Kohalpur Medical College, Nepalgunj Military Hospital, and Police Hospital have been designated as dedicated treatment centers. All Nepalese helicopter operators have been placed on standby, with orders to suspend regular flights and prioritize the evacuation of the injured from earthquake-affected regions to other areas. Additionally, officials have been instructed to maintain a constant presence of ambulances near the Nepalgunj Airport helipad and military barracks.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of lives and the devastation caused by the earthquake.
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