Earthquake in Nepal: A Tragic Night of Loss and Devastation

Strong tremors felt throughout northern India following the earthquake in Nepal

Nepal, a landlocked country in South Asia, is known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and hospitable people. But on the night of 3 November 2023, Nepal faced one of the worst disasters in its history: a powerful earthquake that claimed the lives of 128 people and injured over 140 others.

The earthquake, which measured 6.4 on the Richter scale, struck at 11:47 pm local time, with its epicentre at the Lamidanda area in Jajarkot district, about 250 km west of the capital Kathmandu¹. The quake was felt across Nepal, as well as in parts of India, China, and Pakistan. It triggered landslides, collapsed buildings, and damaged roads and bridges, leaving many remote villages cut off from communication and relief.

The earthquake also brought back painful memories of the 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people and displaced millions in Nepal. Many people who survived the 2015 quake had not yet recovered from the trauma and the loss of their homes and livelihoods. The 2023 quake added to their woes and fears, as they had to spend the night in the open, braving the cold and the aftershocks.

The Nepalese government and the army launched a massive rescue and relief operation, with the help of neighbouring countries and international agencies. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba rushed to the affected areas and announced a compensation of 1 million Nepalese rupees (about $8,300) for each family of the deceased and 100,000 rupees (about $830) for the injured². He also declared a state of emergency and set up special hospitals to treat the victims.

The earthquake also drew attention to the need for better disaster preparedness and resilience in Nepal, which lies in a seismically active zone. According to experts, Nepal faces the risk of more frequent and stronger earthquakes in the future, due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the building codes, infrastructure, and early warning systems, as well as to raise awareness and education among the people.

The earthquake in Nepal was a tragic event that shook the nation and the world. It also showed the strength and solidarity of the Nepalese people, who came together to help each other and overcome the crisis. The earthquake also reminded us of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion and kindness. As Nepal recovers from the quake, we hope that it will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

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