KATHMANDU, Nepal — A magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook northwestern Nepal on Friday night, killing at least 37 people and injuring dozens more, according to officials.
As rescuers searched the mountainous villages where the earthquake struck, officials cautioned that the death toll was expected to rise, noting that communications were cut off with many of the affected areas.
The earthquake killed at least 20 people in Rukum District, where numerous houses collapsed, a police official, Narvaraj Bhattarai, said over the telephone.
In neighboring Jajarkot District, 17 people were confirmed dead, according to Harish Chandra Sharma, a government official.
Persons:
Narvaraj Bhattarai, Harish Chandra Sharma
Locations:
KATHMANDU, Nepal, Rukum District, Jajarkot District