Nepal Earthquake:China Int’l Search & Rescue Team Headed To Kathmandu

Relief groups, which began arriving in Nepal in large numbers Sunday, say there is still time to save lives. Government agencies and aid groups began rushing doctors, volunteers and equipment into Nepal as Katmandus international airport reopened. Some aid vehicles were able to travel overland from India to the stricken Nepalese city of Pokhara. Two C-130s took off to help in the Nepal Earthquake rescue and relief efforts. On board were aid equipment and nearly 50 men and women from Singapore Civil Defence Force’s DART (including 4 dogs) and Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centres advance team. Also on board was United Nations OCHA’s representative. They are expected to arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow, just past noon. We know that there are risks of further aftershocks but are confident that these men and women will do Singapore proud and perform their utmost to help our Nepalese friends in need. Our prayers for their safety, as well as hopes for the Nepalese people go with them. A powerful earthquake shook Nepal on Saturday near its capital, Katmandu, killing more than 1,600 people, injured over 6,000, flattening sections of the city’s historic center, and trapping dozens of sightseers in a 200-foot watchtower that came crashing down into a pile of bricks. The China International Search and Rescue Team is on their way to Nepal. The 62-member team is taking rescue and medical equipment, as well as 6 sniffer dogs. They are expected to arrive in Kathmandu midday today. A fifth of the rescuers have experience in international rescue missions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei says the Chinese government will send emergency and rescue supplies to Nepal as soon as possible.