In the early hours of Thursday, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck Nepal, according to the Nepal Seismological Centre. The epicentre was located at Chitlang of Makwanpur district in the Himalayan nation, and the quake occurred at around 1:20 am (local time). Fortunately, no casualties were reported. This comes as Nepal continues to recover from a devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the country on November 3. In response to the earlier quake, India sent an emergency aid package comprising medical equipment and relief materials to assist those affected.

The strong tremor not only impacted Nepal but also jolted New Delhi and parts of north India. The earthquake claimed the lives of 157 people and left many injured in Nepal. India's swift response as the first responder aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Neighbourhood First Policy, emphasizing India's commitment to supporting its neighboring nations in times of crisis. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted this commitment, stating that India's rapid aid delivery reflects their dedication to the well-being of neighboring countries.

Continuing their efforts, India recently dispatched the fourth tranche of earthquake relief support to Nepal in the form of vital medical supplies. The aid, based on the requirements shared by the Nepal Medical Association, includes essential medicines and equipment. To date, India has shipped over 34 tonnes of emergency relief materials to support the affected families, following the earthquake that struck Jajarkot and surrounding areas on November 3. The support and solidarity demonstrated by India during this challenging time underscore the importance of regional cooperation and the bonds between neighboring nations. Such acts of assistance serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to lend a helping hand to those in need.