Sep 12, Kathmandu - A powerful earthquake measuring 5.3 magnitudes struck the Upper Mustang region on the night of Bhadau 23, leaving widespread destruction across the area. The quake’s epicenter was in Lo Manthang, causing severe damage to approximately 80% of the homes in the village. Residents, teachers, and students have been forced to spend nights under tents and tarps due to the extensive destruction.

The earthquake has particularly impacted Lomantang, where the school’s student dormitory and teachers’ residences have become uninhabitable. While the overall damage in Lo Manthang village is significant, reports indicate that other wards within the municipality have experienced moderate to severe destruction, rendering many homes unsafe for occupancy. The municipal office confirmed that the earthquake caused substantial damage to buildings across four wards.

Municipal Chairperson Tsering Gurung explained that 80% of the houses in the municipality, primarily constructed with stone and mud, have been damaged by the quake. Approximately 60 homes are now uninhabitable, and the region continues to experience aftershocks, further jeopardizing the safety of residents. Although there have been no human casualties, the risk of further damage remains high.

In the wake of the quake, residents and school staff have been forced to set up makeshift shelters outside, as their homes and school buildings are unsafe. The local government is taking measures to provide immediate relief, including purchasing tents, and is in the process of arranging alternative accommodations for those affected.

The earthquake has caused the most destruction in Fuwa village of Lo Manthang-3 Ward, where over 500 homes are completely damaged and uninhabitable. Other wards have also reported significant structural damage, with many houses cracked and debris scattered around. The affected citizens are demanding government assistance for resettlement and reconstruction efforts.

The damage also includes the destruction of the school’s student dormitory, teachers’ residences, and storage buildings. According to Devidip Secondary School Principal Kamlesh Kumar Tripathi, most parts of the two-story stone and mud-built dormitory, comprising 34 rooms, have been severely cracked, rendering the structure unsafe.

The local authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage, with detailed reports expected in the coming days as they conduct damage surveys.