Deadly Nepal Earthquake Strikes Before Midnight
A powerful 5.6 magnitude earthquake rocked northwestern Nepal just before midnight on Friday, killing at least 128 people and injuring dozens more. The death toll is expected to climb as communication lines remain cut in many quake-hit areas.
Rescue Crews Race to Save Survivors
Helicopters swooped into the disaster zone, ferrying medical teams and supplies while ground forces dug through rubble to rescue those trapped. Nepal police spokesman Kuber Kadayat confirmed troops are also clearing blocked roads and mountain trails caused by landslides triggered by the quake.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal touched down by helicopter with a team of doctors to assess the damage and boost relief efforts on the ground.
Jajarkot and Rukum Hit Hardest
The epicentre in Jajarkot district saw 92 confirmed deaths and 55 injuries, police say. Nearby Rukum district reported at least 36 fatalities and numerous collapsed homes, with 85 injured rushed to hospitals.
Nepalgunj’s regional hospital has freed up over 100 beds and deployed medical teams ready to treat the wounded.
Survivor’s Shocking Account
“I was fast asleep when all of a sudden it started shaking violently. I tried to run but the whole house collapsed,” recounted survivor Bimal Kumar Karki.
The US Geological Survey recorded the quake at a shallow depth of 11 miles. Tremors were felt as far away as India’s capital New Delhi, some 500 miles from the epicentre.
