Live Updates: Magnitude 6.4 earthquake in Jajarkot, Nepal — 157 dead

As of November 4 at 9:00 am, reports a grim toll of at least 157 confirmed fatalities, with numerous injuries following the magnitude 6.4 earthquake in Ramidanda of Jajarkot, Nepal. Rescue teams are navigating treacherous mountain villages, but the death toll is anticipated to rise, hindered by communication disruptions. Dry landslides around the epicenter at Ramidanda have impeded search efforts, with rescue teams yet to reach the epicenter. Dozens of houses have collapsed, prompting residents to seek refuge in open areas. As the situation unfolds, we continue to monitor live updates, staying connected with the affected areas in Nepal and India. Click here to refresh this page to get updates on the Jajarkot earthquake

Update November 5, 2023 @ 7:00 am

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called for a cabinet meeting to discuss the damage caused by the earthquake in Jajarkot and the relief efforts. The meeting, which started at 8 am, is being held at the Prime Minister's office in Singhadarbar. Prime Minister Dahal is also scheduled to address the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority meeting at 9 am.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 7:30 pm

The number of casualties has reached 157, with 375 people reported injured. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, as of Saturday evening, 105 deaths have occurred in Jajarkot and 52 in Rukum West. Injured people are reported from Jajarkot, Rukum West, Dailekh, Baitadi, Jumla and Rolpa.

Casualties with minor injuries are being treated at local and district hospitals, while serious cases have been airlifted for treatment in Kathmandu, Surkhet, and Nepalgunj. Seven individuals are receiving treatment at the Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.

The Nepal Government has allocated 5 crore rupees each to the District Disaster Management Fund for search, rescue, and treatment in the earthquake-affected areas of Jajarkot and Rukum West. With the priority given to immediate relief efforts, the government has approved the expenditure according to the prescribed criteria for immediate relief in Jajarkot and Rukum West, directing the allocated amount to the District Disaster Management Fund.

Also, Sudurpashchim Pradesh government has decided to provide one crore rupees in relief to those affected by the earthquake in Jajarkot.

China has announced assistance of 10 million rupees worth of relief materials for those affected by the earthquake in Jajarkot. According to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, in the first phase of post-earthquake assistance, China has declared to provide materials such as 100,000 quilts and blankets equivalent to 10 million in value. The Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, has informed that all the supplies for the earthquake-affected areas will be made available within one to two days.  He mentioned that additional relief materials are on the way and will be delivered soon, as communicated through social media platform X.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 11:30 am

There have been 159 aftershocks recorded within 11 hours following the magnitude 6.4 earthquake with the epicenter in Jajarkot, Nepal. Additionally, there are rumors circulating on social media about another significant earthquake in western Nepal. The question remains: Can anyone predict earthquakes?

Unfortunately, there is still no way to predict when an earthquake will strike. Scientists have a good idea of where an earthquake is likely to occur, but there is no exact method to determine when or how big it will be.

However, based on scientific data, probabilities can be calculated for potential future earthquakes. For example, scientists estimate that over the next 30 years, there is a 67% probability of a major earthquake occurring in the San Francisco Bay area and a 60% probability in Southern California.

Neither the USGS nor Caltech nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. 

Update November 4, 2023 @ 10:55 am

The earthquake has caused damages to various road sections in Rukum and Jajarkot. According to the Department of Roads, there is damage to the approach slab of the bridge over the Bheri River in Jajarkot. Work is underway to clear the road blocked by three landslides near Rimna. In the Chhed–Jajarkot section, the removal of landslides has been completed, and there are no significant issues on the Rapti highway. In the Khalaṅga–Panchakatiya section, it is estimated that it will take another 4–5 hours to clear the landslide.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 10:15 am

The preparations are underway to bring the injured to Nepalgunj for treatment. Ambulances are ready at Nepalgunj Airport for the transportation of the injured.

According to the Nepalgunj Airport office, doctors are being flown to Rukum from Salle Airport, and from there, the injured will be brought to Nepalgunj. The same process is being followed for transporting the injured from other affected areas.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 9:55 am

Karnali Province government has decided to mobilize a team of security personnel and health workers centered from the neighbouring districts to Jajarkot and Rukum West, which are affected by the earthquake.

This decision was made during the emergency meeting of the Cabinet and the Disaster Management Committee held this morning in Surkhet, the provincial capital. 

The Karnali Province government has already dispatched a helicopter with medicines and other essentials to Jajarkot and Rukum West this morning.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 9:40 am

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sorrow for the damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal. In a social media post on Saturday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was mentioned, conveying the distress over the damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal.

He stated, "Deeply saddened by loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and we wish the injured a quick recovery."

Update November 4, 2023 @ 9:25 am

Due to adverse weather conditions at the Chaurjahari Airport, the Nepali Army's helicopter, dispatched from Kathmandu with a medical team for earthquake-affected areas in Rukum, could not land. 

Update November 4, 2023 @ 9:15 am

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has reached Jajarkot for on-site assessment and relief efforts in the earthquake-affected areas. A team of 16 Nepali Army health workers, along with necessary relief supplies, has also been dispatched to the earthquake-affected region. The Prime Minister is having discussion on the extent of damage caused by the earthquake from the Chief District Officer of Jajarkot.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 9:05 am

The death toll has increased to 144. 

The police report that there have been more than 52 deaths in Rukum West alone. The casualties are concentrated in Wards 11, 12, 13, and 14. Both Rukum West and Jajarkot have experienced significant damage to physical structures.

In Jajarkot, 92 people have lost their lives so far. Among them, 66 are women and 26 are men.  

Update November 4, 2023 @ 8:55 am

Bheri Hospital in Banke has been designated as a dedicated hospital for the treatment of critically injured patients from the Jajarkot earthquake. The District Administration Office in Bardiya has provided this information, stating that serious patients from Jajarkot and Rukum West will be referred to Bheri Hospital. 

The District Administration Office has appointed a Focal Person in the hospital to facilitate easy treatment. Patients or their relatives can contact Naresh Shrestha at 9851143666 for further information.

Additionally, Kohalpur Medical College is also in a state of readiness. Bheri Hospital, Military Hospital, and Police Hospital have prepared 105 beds collectively. Adequate numbers of doctors, nursing staff, and logistical management are available in these hospitals.

For patients arriving by helicopter, two ambulances are stationed at the Ranja Airport and two at the Army Helipad. Blood supplies are available in Bardiya, and arrangements have been made for blood donors for fresh blood supply.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 8:35 am

The Cabinet meeting of Karnali Province is currently underway to make urgent decisions regarding the earthquake-affected regions of Jajarkot and Rukum West. Following the meeting, a team led by the Chief Minister of the province will be dispatched to the affected regions to assess the situation on the ground.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 8:05 am

A medical team comprising 14 health workers, including 8 from the Armed Police Force Hospital and 6 from Bir Hospital, has been dispatched to Rukum and Jajarkot. The team traveled towards the designated areas via the Nepali Army's Sky Truck. 

A Disaster Response System (DRS) container has been sent from Dang to the western district of Rukum for disaster relief. Similarly, two containers have been dispatched to Jajarkot from Surkhet. The DRS container contains all the necessary supplies for disaster relief, including food items, and that teams trained in disaster management are on standby in Kurintar and Sinamangal. 

Update November 4, 2023 @ 7:50 am

A joint team comprising Nepal Police, Nepali Army, and Armed Police Force has been mobilized for rescue operations in Jajarkot and Rukum West. The earthquake has caused dry landslides in the Kalekhola of the mid-hill highway, blocking the road. Similarly, the road to Aathbiskot in Rukum West has also been obstructed at two locations due to landslides. This has posed challenges in the ongoing rescue efforts. Helicopters are crucial for the rescue and relief operations in the rural areas of Jajarkot and Rukum West. Initiatives have been taken by relevant authorities to address this need, with efforts underway to clear blocked roads in both districts.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 7:40 am

President Ramchandra Poudel has expressed deep concern over the human and material losses incurred. In the wake of this disaster, he has appealed to all, including the government, to actively participate in effective rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. The President's office has communicated this appeal to the concerned authorities.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 7:35 am

Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has departed to assess the earthquake-affected areas in Jajarkot. Accompanying Prime Minister Dahal are Energy, Hydropower, and Irrigation Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Maoist Center parliamentarian, and former Finance Minister Janardan Sharma. They have headed to the earthquake-affected regions of Jajarkot and Rukum West.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 7:30 am

The death toll has risen to 128, with 140 injured. The highest fatalities are in Jajarkot, with 92 dead and 55 injured. Additionally, three people have died in Rukum West, and 85 others have been injured. Rescue teams, along with medical and disaster management teams, are already on the ground.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 7:20 am

The government has directed Nepal Airlines to conduct flights focusing on Chaurjahari in Rukum West and instructed other airlines to remain on standby. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has directed to prioritize aerial operations in Rukum to facilitate the relief and rescue efforts for those affected by the earthquakes in Rukum West and Jajarkot.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 7:00 am

At least 69 fatalities have been confirmed, and numerous individuals are injured as rescue teams scour mountain villages. Officials indicated on early Saturday that the death toll is anticipated to increase, highlighting communication disruptions with several locations.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 6:30 am

At least 54 fatalities have been reported from Nepal.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 3:45 am

The earthquake has caused dry landslides around the epicenter areas, disrupting rescue and search operations. However, the rescue teams haven't reached Ramidanda, the epicenter, yet.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 1:15 am

At least three light earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 have been recorded in Jajarkot within the span of one hour. The Nepal Seismological Center reported a magnitude 4.5 earthquake at 00:08 am, followed by a 4.2 earthquake at 00:29 am, and a 4.3 earthquake at 00:35 am.

Update November 4, 2023 @ 12:20 am

There are reports of dozens of houses collapsing, with people rushing out of their homes and gathering in open areas.

Update November 3, 2023 @ 11:59 pm

This is what is written by USGS, Tectonic Summary:

Seismotectonics of the Himalaya and Vicinity

Seismicity in the Himalaya predominantly results from the continental collision of the India and Eurasia plates, converging at a relative rate of 40-50 mm/yr. Northward underthrusting of India beneath Eurasia generates numerous earthquakes, making this area one of the most seismically hazardous regions on Earth. The surface expression of the plate boundary is marked by the foothills of the north-south trending Sulaiman Range in the west, the Indo-Burmese Arc in the east, and the east-west trending Himalaya Front in the north of India.

Update November 3, 2023 @ 11:56 pm

Nepal Seismological Center (NEMRC/SC/DMG) has confirmed an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4, with the epicenter in Jajarkot, Nepal. The earthquake occurred at 11:47 midnight with the epicenter in Ramidanda. Based on the earthquake intensity and epicenter, we expect major damage and casualties. Additionally, aftershocks are common after earthquakes of such magnitude.

The western region of Nepal is at high risk due to both seismic activity and infrastructure vulnerabilities. However, there hasn't been a destructive earthquake in the western region of Nepal for approximately 575 years. The last major earthquake in the area occurred around 1505 near the center, measuring between 8.5 to 8.7 on the Richter scale.

Update November 3, 2023 @ 11:53 pm

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 was recorded 42 km south of Jumla, Nepal. It occurred at a depth of 17.9 km. 

However, no official statement has been issued from the Nepal side. We are awaiting details regarding the epicenter location and intensity to better understand the potential impact it may have caused.

Update November 3, 2023 @ 11:50 pm

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) has reported a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 in the western part of Nepal. However, we are awaiting confirmation from the Nepal Seismological Center for the official notice regarding the earthquake's intensity. We expect the magnitude recorded to be higher by the local seismic station. Additionally, we have received hundreds of earthquake felt reports from various areas in Nepal and India.

Nepal: Birendranagar, Musikot, Dhangadi, Tansen, Sunwal, Pokhara, Gaindakot, Bharatpur,Hetauda, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Kirtipur 

India: Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Almora, Haldwani, Akbarpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, New Delhi, Varanasi, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon

An earthquake has been reported by the majority of people in western Nepal, including the capital city, Kathmandu. The tremor has also been reported by people in various parts of India, including the capital, New Delhi. We will closely follow this event.