A powerful earthquake rattled Nepal just after noon on Saturday. The magnitude of the quake was recorded at 7.8 on the Richter scale and its epicentre was 77 kilometres northwest of the capital city of Kathmandu.
The intense shaking of the earth toppled homes, buildings, and caused massive structural damage. People rushed out of their homes to the streets in panic and confusion. The death toll due to the quake is estimated to be at least 129 people with casualties expected to rise in the coming days as authorities and rescue workers gain access to certain remote areas. At the time of writing, more than 4,000 people are reported to have been injured.
Amid the destruction, people have come together to support those affected by the quake. Non-governmental organizations have asked for donations, while other relief efforts are underway to provide food, water, and shelter to those in need. Teams have been assembled to deal with medical emergencies, and doctors and nurses from afar are travelling to affected areas to help. The Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has also declared a state of emergency.
The news of the quake has prompted reactions from leading statesmen across the world. United States president Barack Obama said in a statement that, “As Nepal and its neighbours confront this tragedy, the United States stands ready to offer assistance and support.” United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the news as “heartbreaking,” while the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged assistance to Nepal following the incident.
This is not the first time that Nepal has been hit by a powerful quake in recent years, with a similar incident occurring in April 2015. However, this one has clearly had a much greater impact. With reconstruction and relief efforts now in the works, people can only hope that the outcome will be to rebuild lives and homes, while also providing solace and aid to those in need.