5.6 Magnitude Quake Rattled Nepal, Killed 132

AFP/APP

Kathmandu: The 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck a remote pocket of Nepal late Friday, killing 132 people overnight as security forces rushed to assist with rescue efforts.

The US Geological Survey measured the quake at just 18 kilometres (11 miles) deep.

Mud houses were flattened as survivors crouched outside for safety, the sirens of emergency vehicles wailing. The quake was felt as far away as India’s capital, New Delhi, nearly 500 km from the epicentre, 42 km south of Jumla. Home Ministry Spokesman Narayan Prasad Bhattarai informed that 92 people died in Jajarkot and 40 in Rukum.National Police Spokesman Kuber Kathayat said authorities have tallied more than 100 others injured across both districts. Security forces have been deployed to assist with search and rescue operations, stated Karnali Province Police Spokesman Gopal Chandra Bhattarai. The district hospital is packed with residents bringing in injured victims.