IAF's C-130 leaves for Nepal with NDRF team

An IAF C-130J Super Hercules aircraft left for Nepal on Saturday with a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and relief material from Hindon airbase after the Himalayan country was hit by a major earthquake.

Official sources said that the Indian Air Force's C-130 took off from Hindon airbase in Uttar Pradesh.

After dropping the NDRF team and relief material, the C-130 will perform an aerial recce to check road communication to Pokhara and make detailed assessment of the damage.

Meanwhile, an Indian Army expedition team with sherpas at the Mount Everest base camp, is stated to be safe.

An IAF IL-76 aircraft would leave for Kathmandu from Bhatinda airbase, carrying NDRF teams at 6 p.m.

One C-17 Globemaster III will fly later in the day from Hindon to Kathmandu, carrying an aero medical team and NDRF teams with specialised equipment.

From Sunday five helicopters would be stationed in Kathmandu and another five helicopters in Pokhara that will be required for rescue and relief operations.