Strong Earthquake Strikes Nepal, Injures Four and Causes Panic in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, February 28: A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale jolted Nepal early Friday morning, injuring at least four people and causing panic among residents. The tremor, which struck at 2:51 am, had its epicenter at Bhairabkunda in Sindhupalchowk district, approximately 65 km east of Kathmandu, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre.

The impact of the quake was felt across the Kathmandu Valley and extended to southern and eastern Nepal. In Sindhupalchowk district, several houses developed cracks due to the tremor. In the capital city, residents rushed out of their homes in fear as the quake shook the region.

Among the injured, two individuals were hurt in Kathmandu. Additionally, an inmate at Chautara prison sustained injuries while attempting to escape amid the panic. In Sindhupalchowk district, an elderly man suffered injuries while trying to exit his home during the tremor.

Nepal is situated in one of the most seismically active regions, falling within Seismic Zones IV and V, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The country has witnessed devastating quakes in the past, the most catastrophic being the April 2015 earthquake, which measured 7.8 in magnitude and claimed over 9,000 lives while destroying more than a million structures.

Authorities are assessing the damage from the latest tremor, and residents remain on high alert for potential aftershocks.