S'pore govt agencies to send medical personnel, assets to Nepal

SINGAPORE - Singapore government agencies are sending personnel and assets to assist in the relief efforts in Nepal, which was hit by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Saturday.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) announced today that it will deploy a a medical team of 15, as well as personnel from the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Coordination Centre.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 aircraft will provide airlift support to transport the Singapore relief contingent, which includes Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) personnel and their equipment, into the affected area.

Yesterday evening, the SCDF said that they will be sending a 55-men search-and-rescue contingent to Nepal.

The police is also preparing to send a contingent of officers to help with disaster-relief efforts. Their team will include officers from its Gurkha Contingent.

DPM and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said the SPF has a sizable number of Gurkha officers, and some hail from the affected regions.

He added that Singapore "will do all we can to aid Nepal in this time of need".

Singapore is also looking at other areas of assistance, such as medical and humanitarian aid.

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) said on Sunday that they will be contributing $50,000 worth of relief items and emergency supplies to Nepal.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg