DHANGADHI, NOVEMBER 9

At least six persons were killed in a 6.6 ML earthquake that struck Doti district in the wee hours of Wednesday.

According to the Doti District Police Office, the deceased were locals of Gairagaun, Purbichauki-3. They were buried beneath debris of houses that collapsed during the earthquake that struck the area at around 2:12 am.

The identities of the deceased have been established of which two are women, two men, and two minors, Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhola Kumar Bhatta informed.

Close to ten houses had collapsed in the quake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in Khaptad National Park. Cracks have surfaced in most of the houses in the aftermath of the gelological event, police added.

Moreover, as many as five people - Mahabir Bohara (45), Innari Bohara (40), Bishna Devi Bohara (45), Chanadevi Bohara (46) and Dhauli Bohara (11) -- have been injured and are currently undergoing treatment at a local health facility.

Security personnel from Nepal Police, Nepali Army, local representatives and locals are jointly conducting rescue and relief operations in the affected area.

As per the National Seismological Center, a 5.7 earthquake was reported in the area (epicenter in Dipayal) at 9:07 pm prior to the stronger one that was felt later. Many aftershocks had been felt after the two bigger quakes throughout the night.

The jolt was felt in and around Bajhang, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Rukum west.