The region of Jajarkot has endured significant human and material devastation following a powerful earthquake that struck last night. The earthquake's death toll has now climbed to over 150, with more than 200 individuals reported as injured. In a remarkable rescue effort, three severely injured individuals from Rukum-West have been airlifted by a Nepalese army helicopter and transported to the provincial hospital in Surkhet.
As rescue operations continue, it is anticipated that the count of casualties and injuries may rise as more information is gathered. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.4, had its epicenter located in Ramidanda, Jajarkot.
President Ramchandra Paudel expressed his deep sorrow over the human and physical losses incurred in the earthquake, urging the government and all relevant parties to participate in effective rescue and relief efforts during this crisis.
In response to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's directive, all three security agencies are actively involved in rescue and relief operations, aiming to swiftly provide assistance to those in need. The extent of damage caused by the nighttime incident is yet to be fully assessed. The government has disclosed preparations for sending medical supplies, healthcare personnel, and helicopters to rescue the injured on Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Energy Minister and Jajarkot MP Shakti Basnet, and Rukum West MP Janardan Sharma have reached the afflicted region of Jajarkot, equipped with medical supplies and healthcare personnel.
To facilitate rescue, treatment, and relief efforts, three helicopters from the Nepal Army, as well as one aircraft from the Nepal Air Service Corporation, carrying healthcare workers, rescue teams, and relief materials, are en route to the earthquake-affected areas of Jajarkot and Rukum West. Additionally, an army sky truck, along with another helicopter bearing healthcare personnel, has been dispatched to these regions. The Nepal Air Service Corporation's TwinOtter aircraft is preparing to fly to Chaurajahari Airport, loaded with healthcare supplies.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Rajkumar Sharma reported that the Karnali state government has deployed a helicopter carrying medical personnel and medicine from Surkhet, actively engaging in rescue, treatment, and relief operations both by air and on the ground. The government has designated Chaurzahari Hospital and Airport as focal points for treating the injured, according to Prime Minister's Press Adviser Govinda Acharya.
Hana Singer, the head of the United Nations in Nepal, has announced that a UN aid team is on its way to the affected area. On the social media platform X, United Nations Chief Singer emphasized, '6.4 earthquake in Jajarkot Nepal affecting Karnali Province. Devastating toll100+ lives lost, many injured. Urgent need for Search & Rescue, medical teams & supplies. Humanitarian partners &UN mobilizing relief support from HSAs in Surkhet & stockpiles from other areas of country.'
