NEPAL’S authorities on Sunday scrambled to rush aid to those affected by Friday’s earthquake that has killed at least 157 people and left a trail of destruction in the Himalayan nation’s remote mountainous region. The earthquake with an epicentre in Jajarkot district, about 500 km west of Kathmandu, was recorded just before midnight on Friday. As the earthquake destroyed hundreds of houses in the mountainous region, several people had to spend Saturday night under the open sky. Out of a total of 157 people who died in the tragedy, the bodies of 120 have so far been handed over to the family members. About 253 people were injured in the quake, the most devastating in the country since 2015. The relatives of victims were now preparing for their cremations.

 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Sunday held a Cabinet meeting during which he decided to provide Rs. 2 lakh cash each to the family of those killed in the Jajarkot earthquake as immediate relief, according to officials. The Nepal Government also decided to provide free medical treatment to those injured in the earthquake. “All the injured individuals will receive treatment free of cost, whatever may the cost be,” Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet said after the Cabinet meeting.

 

According to the Minister, the rescue efforts for earthquake victims have been completed. But rescuers are still looking for people who could be trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. “The distribution of food, tarps, and tents has already begun in some affected areas, with plans for further deliveries in progress. The government is committed to ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided to the survivors,” he said.