KATHMANDU- A powerful earthquake in Nepal's western Jajarkot area has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 128 lives, leaving dozens injured. The earthquake, which occurred at 11:47 p.m. on Friday, had varying magnitude estimates: Nepal's National Seismological Centre reported a magnitude of 6.4, while the German Research Centre for Geosciences measured it at 5.7 (downgraded from 6.2), and the U.S. Geological Survey pegged it at 5.6.

This devastating seismic event stands as the deadliest in Nepal since the 2015 earthquakes that claimed the lives of approximately 9,000 people. Those disasters also caused widespread destruction, reducing towns, ancient temples, and historic sites to rubble, with a staggering economic cost of $6 billion.

The epicenter of this recent earthquake was situated in the village of Ramidanda, approximately 500 km (300 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu. The affected region, known for its hilly terrain, has posed challenges for rescue and relief efforts. The population of Jajarkot district, where the quake struck, amounts to 190,000, with villages scattered across remote hills.

Officials have expressed concerns that the death toll could increase as they struggle to establish contact in the affected hilly areas. Harish Chandra Sharma, an official from Jajarkot district, revealed, "The number of injured could be in the hundreds, and the deaths could go up as well."

Reports indicate that 92 people lost their lives in Jajarkot, while an additional 36 casualties were recorded in the neighboring Rukum West district, both located in Karnali province.

Furthermore, at least 85 individuals sustained injuries in Rukum West, and 55 in Jajarkot. The aftermath of the earthquake left many houses in ruins, while others developed severe cracks. Thousands of residents spent a fearful night in the open, reluctant to return to their damaged homes due to aftershocks.

Search and rescue teams are facing the additional challenge of clearing blocked roads, caused by landslides triggered by the earthquake, in their efforts to reach the affected areas. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal swiftly responded to the disaster, flying to the area with a 16-member army medical team to oversee search, rescue, and relief operations.

Expressing his deep sorrow on social media, Dahal ordered security agencies to launch immediate rescue and relief efforts to mitigate the devastating impact of the earthquake. Disturbing footage from local media revealed the aftermath of the disaster, with multi-storied brick houses showing crumbled facades and large pieces of furniture scattered. Terrified residents were seen evacuating buildings and taking to the streets, desperately seeking information on the extent of the damage.

This earthquake has brought a new wave of tragedy and challenges to the resilient people of Nepal, who must now band together for recovery and support amid this devastating natural disaster.