Nepal earthquake: Search and rescue operation over, tough reconstruction awaits

Nov 06, 2023

Jajarkot (Nepal), Nov 06 (ANI): The Nepal government completed the search and rescue operation after a strong earthquake struck the western area of Jajarkot on Nov 3. The earthquake rattled nine districts, killing over 150 people as houses in the area collapsed. Since Friday's quake, thousands of buildings in Jajarkot and the neighbouring Rukum West district have collapsed or developed cracks making them uninhabitable. The tremors were also felt in parts of India, including Delhi and the National Capital Region. During a visit to the earthquake-affected district, Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha announced the completion of the search and rescue operation, with the focus shifting towards relief operations. On Sunday evening, at nightfall, the locals of Khalanga spread the tarpaulin far and wide to protect themselves from the dew and chilling cold. Survivors said they heard the loud noises of collapsing buildings soon after the quake struck. They have slept in the streets near damaged houses, wrapped in blankets to beat the cold. The November 3 earthquake which rattled the impoverished hilly district of Jajarkot has damaged 937 houses, while about three thousand have sustained damages, yet to be labelled safe to stay or not.