Quake shakes northwest Nepal, killing at least 128 and injuring dozens. Officials fear toll to rise

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) – A strong earthquake has shaken northwestern Nepal, and officials say at least 128 people are dead and dozens more injured as rescuers search mountain villages.

Officials said Saturday that the toll was expected to rise, saying communication was cut off with many villages.

This handout photo provided by Nepal Prime Minister’s Office shows an earthquake-affected area in northwestern Nepal, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Helicopters and ground troops rushed to help people hurt in a strong earthquake that shook northwestern Nepal districts just before midnight Friday, killing more than 100 people and injuring dozens dozens more, officials said Saturday. (Nepal Prime Minister’s Office via AP)

Officials say the earthquake that struck late Friday killed at least 92 people in Jajarkot district and 36 people in neighboring Rukum district.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and occurred at a depth of 11 miles.

Nepal’s National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center says its epicenter was at Jajarkot, which is about 250 miles northeast of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.

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