Earthquake damages 123 houses in Bajura, relief works begin

By Sher Bahadur Sharki,Bajura, Dec. 23: A total of 123 houses in Bajura have been damaged by the earthquake that struck the district on Saturday morning.

The 5.2 magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre at Gotri in Ward No.5 of Jagannath Rural Municipality, caused damages to 123 houses in Upper and Lower Gotri.

Although no human casualty was reported, the earthquake caused significant physical damage. 

According to Gauri Sarki,  ward chairperson of ward-5, the earthquake further damaged the houses which had developed cracks in the earthquake that hit the district last year.

“We inspected all the villages and settlements in the area from morning until evening on Saturday. 

During the visit, we found that the earthquake had completely damaged some houses while others had developed cracks. 

After collecting all the data, it is now confirmed that 123 houses have been damaged,” said Sarki.

The locals are now facing difficulties in living in the houses, which developed cracks. Sarki further informed that data has been sent to the district authorities to request immediate relief and protection from the cold for the affected families through various government and non-government offices in the district.

Previously, recurring earthquakes had caused damage to the roofs and walls of many houses in Jagannath, Himali, Swamikartik, Budhiganga, Budhinanda, Gaumul, Badimalika, Tribeni, and Khaptad Chededaha Rural Municipalities. The recent earthquake caused further damage to many of these houses.

Due to poverty and lack of financial resources, the locals have been residing in rickety houses as they have no alternative.

“It is cold outside, and living inside is risky as the house might collapse at any time. If it were a warmer season, staying outside would have been easier, but the current cold weather is making it very difficult,” said Ateram Madai, an earthquake victim.

Madai further added, “We have no source of income, no money, and no other resources. Now, the quake developed further cracks in our houses and it is cold outside.” 

He further mentioned that fearing that his house might collapse, he and his family spent last night outside, by making a fire to keep themselves warm.

Most houses in Bajura are old and made of mud and stone. Recurring earthquakes in the past caused cracks or destroyed many houses, and Saturday’s earthquake has further increased the risk, said Dilip Giri, Chief of the District Police Office, Bajura.

Mekharaj Jaisi, President of the Nepal Red Cross Society’s Bajura District Chapter, said preparations were underway to distribute tarpaulins, blankets, utensils, mats and clothing to the affected families as the houses in Gotri were no longer suitable to live in.

The District Administration Office, Bajura, confirmed that it sent 50 tarpaulins and 50 blankets to the victims on Sunday morning upon the request from the municipality for immediate relief.

“For now, these materials have been sent as immediate aid. Depending on the actual situation, further arrangements for shelter, food, and clothing will be made,” said Meghnath Padhya, Coordinator of the District Disaster Management Committee and Chief District Officer of Bajura.

Frequent earthquakes of the past few years caused complete damage to 104 houses, partial damage to 509 houses, and minor damage to 463 houses across nine local levels of the district, according to the District Police Office, Bajura.