Bajura, Nepal – December 23, 2024
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Bajura district on Saturday morning, with its epicenter at Gotri, Jagannath Rural Municipality. The quake caused significant damage across the district, leaving eight houses completely destroyed and several others partially damaged, according to preliminary reports.
Extent of Damage
Security personnel deployed in all nine local units collected data revealing the destruction of key properties. Among the hardest hit were two-story houses belonging to Kalpana Budha in Ward No. 2, Janak Bohara in Ward No. 4, and Padam Sarki in Ward No. 9 of Budhinanda Municipality, which were completely reduced to rubble.
In Ward No. 3, several households, including those of Dhani Bohara, Saimul Rokaya, Ghanshyam Budha, Tine Chadara, and Man Singh Thapa Bhote, suffered partial damage. The Kailash Guest House building in the same area was also affected.
In Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality’s Ward No. 1, houses belonging to Dashrath Bik, Anand Bik, Chamfe Bik, and Man Bik were damaged, according to District Police Office Information Officer Janak Bahadur Bohara.
Communities at Risk
The Ward No. 5 office of Jagannath Rural Municipality reported that 123 families in Gotri are at high risk due to their proximity to the epicenter. This information has been forwarded to the District Disaster Management Committee, as confirmed by Acting Chief District Officer Rupak Mandal. Efforts are underway to verify the data through multiple sources.
Local Voices Demand Action
With winter temperatures plummeting, affected communities have called on local authorities for immediate relief and rescue measures. Civil society leader Dirgharaj Padhyaya has urged the government to provide essential aid, including temporary shelter and warm clothing, to protect vulnerable families from the cold.
"The earthquake has left many families without a roof over their heads," said Padhyaya. "It is crucial to act swiftly to prevent further hardship."
Relief and Reconstruction Efforts
Local police posts are actively gathering additional information on damages in other municipalities. The local government has been urged to prioritize resource allocation for immediate relief, rescue, and eventual reconstruction efforts.
As the situation unfolds, Ecosphere News will continue to provide updates on the earthquake’s impact and the response measures.
