Nepal earthquake: SAF plane to ferry aid, medical personnel and search-and-rescue team to Nepal

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Civil Defence Force is preparing to send a 55-man search-and-rescue contingent to Nepal in the wake of Saturday's earthquake. The police is also preparing to send a contingent of officers to help with disaster-relief efforts, including officers from its Gurkha Contingent.

The Government added that it is making a contribution of $100,000 to kick-start the Singapore Red Cross appeal for donations.

In a Facebook post on Sunday morning, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) C-130 will ferry the search-and-rescue team to Nepal. The plane will also airlift aid and ferry a 15-man medical team from the SAF, as well as personnel from Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Coordination Centre to aid in relief efforts in Nepal.

Dr Ng added that if required, the SAF will do more.

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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written a condolence letter to Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, expressing Singapore's deepest condolences for the loss of life.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam has also conveyed his condolences to his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and informed him of Singapore's contribution and offers of assistance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said in a statement on Saturday: "We are very saddened at the loss of lives from the earthquake. The Singapore Police Force has a sizable number of Gurkha officers, and some hail from the affected regions. We share their anxiety and concern for their families, and will do all we can to aid Nepal in this time of need."

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