New Zealand engineers to assess quake damage in Nepal

An engineering team from New Zealand is travelling to Nepal to assess damage caused by the April 25 earthquake, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said on Monday.

"The Nepalese government has requested assistance from New Zealand experts with damage assessments of critical public infrastructure, including government buildings and hospitals," Xinhua reported, citing a statement issued by the minister.

"Four New Zealand engineers, with considerable experience in earthquake strengthening, have volunteered their time and they are en route to Nepal," he said.

"This group of engineers will be in Kathmandu for a week, and, in addition to undertaking damage assessments, they will also help determine whether a larger contingent of 10 to 12 engineers is required," McCully added.

"This later deployment would be for three months and would focus on assisting with stabilisation and retro-fitting of damaged buildings."

The New Zealand government had already provided NZ $2 million ($1.48 million) in financial assistance to Nepal following the earthquake.