A magnitude of 5.3 earthquake hit far western Nepal on 3 October 2023 at 14.40 pm and strong aftershocks occurred at regular intervals during the day which has increased fear among local people. The epicenter of the earthquake was Bajhang district of the Sudurpaschim Province and the tremors were felt in six neighboring districts (Bajura, Achham, Doti, Baitadi, Darchula and Dadeldhura). The continuous aftershocks have forced people to leave houses and live in open spaces. On the 7 October, a 5.3 Richter scale aftershock was felt which created constant fear in the affected people. As of 8 October 2023, 36,250 people of 7,250 families are affected where, 1,567 houses fully destroyed and 5,601 house partially destroyed. Due to the extreme remoteness of the affected areas, the impact of the earthquake is yet to be completely understood. NRCS has already mobilized ERT members who are in the field collecting data and the impact will be clear in the coming days.

Scope and Scale

The earthquake and aftershocks have damaged individual houses, schools, institutional buildings, while 23 people were injured with one person declared dead. The damage is more significant in Bajura district followed by Bajhang and Achham districts. Given the remoteness of the earthquake-affected districts and settlements, overall understanding of the extent of the damage is only happening gradually; there are still some data discrepancies between various actors which is being addressed through close coordination with authorities at all levels. According to volunteers on the ground, the majority of impacted households live in open areas due to the damage to their homes and the fear of aftershocks. With the approaching winter season, the NRCS is increasing its distribution of non-food items/household items while also planning for some transitional shelter solutions for the most vulnerable households. Needs highlighted in local report are of shelter, basic food, psychosocial support to children and adolescents, protection needs in temporary shelters, WASH and hygiene.