Nepal was struck by another earthquake today, measuring 5.6 magnitude, just days after a strong quake claimed the lives of 157 people and left many injured. The tremors were also felt in neighboring India.
According to Nepal’s National Seismological Centre, the first earthquake of this week occurred on Friday with a magnitude of 6.4. However, the German Research Centre for Geosciences downgraded it to 5.7, while the US Geological Survey measured it at 5.6.
Officials fear that the death toll from Friday’s earthquake in Jajarkot could rise, as they have been unable to establish contact in the hilly area near the epicenter, which is located approximately 500 km (300 miles) west of the capital Kathmandu. The tremors were also felt in this area, which has a population of 190,000 and scattered villages in remote hills. The search and rescue operation has been hindered by landslides triggered by the earthquake, blocking access to the affected areas.
In the aftermath of the quake, thousands of buildings in Jajarkot and the neighboring Rukum West district have either collapsed or developed cracks, rendering them uninhabitable. Survivors reported hearing loud noises of collapsing buildings shortly after the quake struck.
Footage from local media showed the facades of multi-storied brick houses crumbled, with furniture scattered around. Videos also captured people evacuating buildings and running into the streets.
The situation is still developing, and authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected.
