Nepal, already devastated by severe floods, has been hit by an earthquake. A moderate earthquake was felt in the northwestern region of the country. The region shook at 9:38 pm local time on Tuesday.

India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the magnitude of the tremor was 5 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 143 kilometers below the surface. Although the epicenter was relatively deep, there was no major damage, but this incident has increased the panic.

On the other hand, emergency rescue operations have been going on for 14 days after the sudden severe flood in the Bhote Koshi River. According to the latest information provided by the Nepal Police, the death toll in the disaster has increased to 1,366. The list of missing people is also long, with 4,777 people still missing. The missing include about 600 foreign tourists and citizens from at least 35 countries.

1,147 bodies have already been buried after forensic tests as they could not be identified. Only 102 bodies have been handed over to relatives. The bereaved families are submitting DNA samples to the Kathmandu Police Hospital in the hope of confirming their identities.

Despite the adverse conditions, rescuers have so far managed to rescue 13,583 people alive, including more than 300 foreigners. However, the rescue of those still trapped in the tunnels of the damaged hydroelectric projects such as Chilime and Upper Trishuli is facing complex challenges.

About 8,000 members of the Nepal Army and Police have been deployed to deal with the situation. India, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia and the United Arab Emirates have sent technology and specialized rescue teams to help them. High-powered drones, underwater drones and heavy rescue equipment are being used in the search for the missing.

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah has appealed to the international community to urgently provide bailey bridges, rescue equipment and DNA testing kits. Forensic teams from India, Japan and Singapore are also currently assisting locals.

Meanwhile, residents of Nayapul and Biretthani areas have been warned to move to higher ground as fresh landslides have blocked the normal flow of the Kimrung River.