Indian forces continue rescue, relief work in Nepal

Indian forces continued rescue and relief efforts in quake-hit Nepal with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force operating helicopter sorties to affected areas.

Indian Air Force choppers on Wednesday made 50 sorties, carried out 200 evacuations and delivered 31.5 tonnes of relief material to the affected.

In the last five days, the Indian Army's advanced light helicopters, employed for rescue efforts in Pokhra and Kathmandu, have conducted 134 sorties, rescuing people and delivering around 43.2 tonnes of relief material to inaccessible areas.

The Indian Army field hospitals and medical teams have treated 220 patients since May 15, carrying out 36 surgeries, of which 21 patients were admitted to hospitals for medical care.

Task Force commander of the Indian Army at Pokhara, Brig. J. Gamlin along with Brig. Tara Bahadur Karki, acting GOC of Western Division of the Nepal Army, undertook an aerial and ground recce of Laprak and Barpak region of Gorkha district of Nepal on Tuesday.

They interacted with the villagers and ex-servicemen of Barpak village and also with Engineer Task Force of the Indian Army under the command of Lt. Col. Nikhil Sankaran, who briefed them about the ongoing re-construction of a school building at Barpak.

Officials added that members of the Everest Expedition team of the Indian Army were evacuated from Namche Bazar in small groups by air and road, and have reached New Delhi.