A 5.2 magnitude earthquake, with epicentre in Gotri of Bajura on Saturday morning, caused significant damage in Jagannath Rural Municipality. According to local authorities, 108 houses were destroyed, while 460 others suffered partial damage in the disaster. Walls of several houses in nearby areas have also developed cracks.

Ward 5 of Jagannath saw the destruction of 46 houses, with another 86 houses partially damaged, said Kali Bahadur Shahi, chair of the rural municipality. Ward chair Gauri Sarki said that 50 families in the badly affected Darji settlement are currently living under tents as their homes are uninhabitable. These families are using tents provided by the Red Cross and sourced locally.

Among other wards, ward 2 reported 24 houses completely damaged and 93 partially damaged, while ward 6 saw 18 houses destroyed and 104 partially damaged. Ward 4 recorded 10 houses destroyed and 122 partially damaged, and ward 3 reported 10 houses fully and 44 partially damaged.

Public infrastructure has also taken a hit, with 24 schools, 11 health posts, and all six ward office buildings affected, according to the local disaster management office.

Bajura’s Chief District Officer Meghnath Padhya said efforts are underway to collect accurate data on the damage. He said that additional relief materials would be provided after receiving more details.

“We have sent 50 tarpaulins and blankets to Jagannath Rural Municipality,” he said. “We will make further arrangements after receiving detailed information.”

Frequent earthquakes in Sudurpaschim Province have left residents worried. According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the region has experienced 37 earthquakes since October 2022, with Bajura alone recording 16 during this period.

Experts warn of potential major earthquakes in the area. Lok Bahadur Bista, a geography lecturer at Kailali Multiple Campus, suggested that the frequent tremors could indicate accumulating tectonic stress.“This region holds significant stored energy, as indicated by various studies,” he said. “A devastating earthquake can’t be ruled out.”

Similarly, disaster management expert Keshav Bhatta stressed the need to retrofit older structures and enforce building codes, highlighting the vulnerability of traditional houses. “The houses in the mountains are weak. There is excessive load on the roof. There is no necessary precaution,” Bhatta said. “It is also necessary to retrofit old buildings.”