Kathmandu: A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck in the north western district at about 2am on Wednesday. The quake delivered a severe blow, killing at least six people, injuring several others.

The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center stated that the epicenter of the tremor was in the Khaptad National Park area in Doti district.

All the victims were crushed dead by the debris of the house destroyed during the earthquake, according to the local authority.

The identity of six persons, who were killed in a quake, has been ascertained, police sources confirmed. The deceased are Bhagawati Bohara, Sita Bohara, Harka Bohara, Prem Bohara, Tulasi Bohara and Dhanasari Bohara of Thadagaun, Purbi Chauki rural municipality-3.

Rural municipality chairperson Ram Prasad Upadhyay said six people including three from the same family died in the disaster. He said five people have sustained injuries and they have been taken to hospital.

Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and Nepali Army’s rescue squads have reached the site for rescue operation. Min Raj Ojha, a local teacher, said most of the homes in the area have been damaged. Landslides have occurred at many places of Sayal rural municipality due to the tremor, said Dal Bahadur Deuba of Sayal.

Before this, an earthquake of 5.7 magnitude with its epicenter at Dipayal had occurred at 9.7 pm on Tuesday, the Center stated.

Aftershocks had also occurred frequently following the big tremor. The earthquake was felt even in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts.

In Bajhang, people scurried out of their homes after the earthquake and spent the night outside. Laxmi Devi Joshi of Khaptad Chhanna-5 said panicked locals lit bonfires and spent the rest of the night in vigil outside in the open. She said that old homes have collapsed in the village. ( From : Nepal Live Today)