JAJARKOT: A staggering 90 million rupees’ worth of foodstuffs have been obliterated in the aftermath of the Jajarkot earthquake.
The Agriculture Development Office in Jajarkot reported that the seismic event, which struck Ramidanda on November 3, resulted in the complete destruction of 9,794 houses, totaling losses in stored food grains.
The impact was particularly severe on 34,501 households, where rice, corn, wheat, and millet storage suffered irreparable damage due to the 6.4 magnitude earthquake.
Information provided by Topendra Bishwakarma, the office’s information officer, reveals the loss of 28,28,725 kg of rice, corn, wheat, millet, and other essential grains.
Beyond the immediate destruction, the Jajarkot earthquake inflicted substantial harm to livestock, totaling losses of Rs 5 crore 41 lakh 42 thousand 172 across the district.
In Jajarkot alone, 90,567 individuals were directly affected by the seismic event.
Addressing the looming food crisis
With a significant number of individuals involved in the agricultural sector compelled to work elsewhere, concerns have escalated regarding an impending food crisis in the earthquake-affected regions.
The erection of temporary towers in areas with grain crops is expected to lead to a decline in food production.
Notably, the Barekot Rural Municipality in the district consistently grapples with food shortages annually.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the district administration office has issued a plea to store food grains, underscoring the critical need to address the imminent threat to food security in the aftermath of the Jajarkot earthquake.
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