Int’l support continues for disaster responses; Indian, Chinese experts arrive for tunnel rescue

Kathmandu: In the wake of devastating flash floods that took massive toll on human life and physical property in the corridors of Bhotekoshi and Trishuli Rivers on August 26, the international community has been committing assistance for disaster responses- search, rescue, relief distribution, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Both monetary and in-kind supports are pledged by the neighbours, friendly countries and international agencies.

Lately, experts’ teams on rescue works arrived in Nepal from two neighbours, India and China. They will assist Nepal in search for and rescue of the people trapped inside tunnels of various hydropower projects.

The fourth flight from India landed in Nepal this morning, carrying 11 tonnes of emergency aid materials. The aid materials include the equipments used for search and rescue, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, sleeping bags, blankets and sanitary kits.

The Embassy of India in Nepal shared that a team of technical experts arrived together for the rescue materials. Even the forensic experts landed in Nepal. Till Saturday evening, Indian government contributed some 57.5 tonnes of relief materials to Nepal.

The team of Indian technical experts comprises 13 military persons while of forensic team consists of 19 members, the Embassy added.

Similarly, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal informed that two Y-20 large transport aircraft of the PLA Air Force of China arrived in Nepal in a bid to assist in rescue works this morning. The aircraft brought China-aid emergency relief supplies.

Even four Chinese experts on tunnel rescue, along with rescue equipment, arrived together. The two transport aircrafts carried 13,200 items of emergency relief supplies, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, hard tack and first-aid kits, with a total weight of 50 tonnes, the Embassy added.

The Indian and Chinese technical teams are now involved in the rescue of those trapped inside the hydropower tunnels. The US government has already committed to providing 500 thousand US dollars to Nepal, while the Australian government pledged 1 million US dollars for the management and rehabilitation of the flood survivors.

The World Bank, the ADB and various other countries have also pledged the assistances to Nepal to cope with the tragedy.

RSS