Nighttime nightmare: Midnight earthquake claims over 150 lives in Jajarkot and Rukum West

Jajarkot lay in deep slumber on Friday night. Prakash Shah, 49, of Upper Thaple, Bheri municipality was fast asleep when the temple bell near their house began to ring, breaking the stillness of the night. Narintha Kumari Shah (51), who was sleeping on the floor, woke up to the sound of the bell ringing continuously.

As she rose, a sudden realisation dawned upon her. Tremors flowed through her body, mirroring the shaking of her home. It was an earthquake. With a sense of urgency, she hurriedly sought refuge, but tragically, her home crumbled around her.