BAITADI: A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Baitadi in the early hours of Friday, sending shockwaves across the far-western districts of Nepal.
According to Chintan Timalsina, Head of the Earthquake Monitoring Centre in Surkhet, the first quake occurred at 1:48 am with its epicentre at Khalanga, the district headquarters of Baitadi.
Just 12 minutes later, a second tremor measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale was recorded at 2:00 am. The back-to-back tremors caused panic among residents, prompting many to flee their homes during the night.
The quake was also felt in nearby districts including Darchula, Bajhang, and Dadeldhura. Authorities are yet to receive reports on potential damage or casualties. Monitoring is ongoing.
