"Nepal Devastated by Deadly Earthquake, Relief Efforts Underway"

A strong earthquake struck northwest Nepal, resulting in at least 157 deaths as houses collapsed and buried families. The majority of casualties were caused by debris from houses made of stacked rocks and logs. Rescue operations were hindered by blocked roads and the remote locations of affected mountainous villages. The government is working to provide aid, including tents, food, and medicine, as thousands have been left homeless. The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and its epicenter was in Jajarkot district. The death toll is expected to rise as communication remains cut off in many areas.