Aid being taken to an earthquake affected area in Kathmandu. (AFP Photo)
India, on Tuesday pressed six more teams of NDRF personnel into its relief and rescue operations in Nepal as the Himalayan country struggles to cope in the grim aftermath of the deadly earthquake which has left thousands dead and millions affected.
With the induction of the new teams on the fourth day of the disaster, the total number of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Nepal has gone up to 16 with 10 already engaged in rescue operations there for the last few days. Each NDRF team has about 45 personnel.
"While three new teams have landed in Kathmandu today from Kolkata via the air route, three others have moved by road from Patna to the Nepalese capital. They are expected to reach any time," a senior official said.
NDRF rescuers are at present deployed in areas like Tanu Hospital, Balajutra, Balkhu, Goodbal, Brijeshwari, Chavmati, Vasundranmunatal, Maharajganj, Gangabhu, (two teams) and Shobha Bhagwati Bridge (two teams).
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has also been taken to Kathmandu and it will be used to map the affected areas for planning the deployment of resources and workforce, the official said.
The official said that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also spoken to NDRF chief OP Singh, who is camping and supervising rescue operations in Kathmandu.
The NDRF chief briefed the Home Minister about the ground situation and fresh requirements for the operations, he said.