January 24: An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale jolted western Nepal at 2:43 pm on Tuesday. The earthquake having its epicenter in the Mela area of Bajura district was felt in various districts, including Banke, Kailali, Bajhang, among others, in Sudurpaschim Province. 

The powerful tremor had sent people out of their homes in panic. 

Information Officer at Seismological Centre, Surkhet, Tirtha Raj Dahal, said the earthquake of  5.9 on the Richter scale had struck the western Nepal with its epicenter at Mela of Bajura district, sending many residents out of their homes.

The details of human casualties and physical damage are yet to come.