A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.4 had jolted Jajarkot at 11:47 PM on 03 November 2023, severely affecting the remote hill district as well as neighboring Rukum (West). The shallow quake with its epicenter located at Ramidanda of Barekot Rural Municipality in Jajarkot was felt as far as the federal capital Kathmandu and even 600 kilometers away in the Indian capital, New Delhi.

A total of 154 casualties (84 female, 70 male), 366 injured, 26,557 houses have been completely destroyed, and 35,455 have been partially damaged (update 20 November, 2023). The ongoing rain, snow, and aftershocks exacerbate the situation, rendering even partially damaged houses unusable. Till now, the report notes a shortfall in relief efforts leaving thousands of households without essential aid.

This devastation necessitates the distribution of tarpaulins for temporary shelter, warm blankets, mattress and other necessary needs. Therefore, from 7th-12th November 2023, the initial two phases of earthquake relief intervention in coordination and communication with the local administration have been concluded. NCRS team traveled to the most earthquake-affected area of Rukum West and distributed the relief items to the affected victims of wards no.4, 5, 6 & 14 of Aathbiskot Municipality. A total of 1000 HH received the Tarpaulin, 700 HH received P-Foam (Mat), 400 HH received warm blankets, 13 sets of Kitchen kits, and 8 big-size tents.