The night of Friday, November 3rd, brought with it a tragic event that Nepal will not soon forget. At 11:47 PM, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Jajarkot, a district in Nepal’s northwest. The shock was felt across a wide area, severely impacting not only Jajarkot but also neighboring Paschim Rukum and other neighbor district. The consequences of this natural disaster were swift and severe, as numerous homes were destroyed and buildings collapsed, leaving a trail of destruction and sorrow in its wake.
Nepal has long grappled with the destructive force of earthquakes, and this latest disaster once again tested the resilience of the nation’s people. Till the date 157 lives lost and continues to rise as search and rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid. In addition to the loss of life, over 375 individuals were reported as injured, with 38 of them receiving medical treatment in Banke. The devastation was such that health services had to be relocated to open grounds, as numerous healthcare facilities were damaged during the earthquake.
Picture source: Kantipur
Swift action was necessary, and Nepal’s specialized emergency response teams, including personnel from Bir Hospital, Norvic Hospital, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force (APF), were quickly mobilized to offer vital medical assistance to the affected districts. Additionally, thousands of security personnel were dispatched to the affected areas to conduct search and rescue operations.
One glaring issue that contributed significantly to the extensive damage caused by the earthquake was the weak infrastructure in the region. Many buildings were inadequately constructed and lacked proper safety measures, rendering them particularly vulnerable to the powerful seismic forces. This disaster has underscored the urgent need for improved construction standards and better preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.
In the wake of the catastrophe, Nepal’s political parties have united in their efforts to provide support to the victims. The Maoist Center pledged 50 lakhs (5 million Nepali Rupees) for the earthquake victims, and other political parties are similarly engaged in relief and rescue work. Members of the Nepali Congress displayed their solidarity by donating half of their salaries to aid the victims.
The Nepalese government swiftly responded to the crisis by announcing immediate relief measures for those affected. Families of the deceased will receive Rs. 200,000 each as financial support, acknowledging the need for substantial financial resources to facilitate recovery and reconstruction. Min Bahadur Gurung pledged an aid package of 1 crore 11 lakh 11 thousand 111 rupees, further highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis.
On the international front, the global community has shown its support. Pakistan’s Prime Minister expressed condolences and grief, standing in solidarity with the Nepalese people. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Modi conveyed his sorrow over the loss of lives, while China pledged an aid package of 100 million dollars to assist in the recovery and relief efforts.
In conclusion, Nepal, a nation with a history of resilience in the face of adversity, is once again coming together to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Jajarkot and Paschim Rukum. The outpouring of support from the international community, as well as the unity and solidarity among Nepal’s political parties and private sector, are promising signs of hope. Though the path to recovery may be long and challenging, the people of Nepal remain unwavering in their determination to rebuild their communities and lives, showcasing their enduring strength in the face of disaster.
Media Source: The Rising Nepal, Annapurna Post, The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times, Kantipur, Swasthakhabar, Onlinekhabar, Ratopati, Grokhapatra, Nayapatrika.