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IAF evacuates 3,358 from Nepal, relief operation on
IAF
evacuates 3,358 from Nepal, relief operation on
New Delhi, May 1 The number of people evacuated from Nepal by the Indian Air Force
(IAF) reached 3,358 as another flight carrying the evacuees landed in India on
Friday, the defence ministry said.
"One of the last sorties of C-17 from KTM (Kathmandu) to Palam. Total pax
brought back by IAF fixed wing a/c 3,358," Defence spokesperson Sitanshu
Kar tweeted.
The Indian Air Force conducted 311 fixed wing aircraft sorties since the efforts
started on last Saturday after Nepal was hit by a quake.
They also transported around 571.65 tonnes of relief material. National
Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, along with India
Ambassador in Nepal Ranjit Rae along with Maj. Gen J.S. Sandhu flew over Gorkha
district and landed at Barpak where they interacted with residents.
The rescue operations, assisted by the Indian Army, meanwhile, continues as the
army relief convoys moving by road started arriving in Kathmandu on Friday.
Five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) of the army continue to be deployed for
rescue efforts in Pokhra and adjoining areas in spite of weather and terrain
limitations.
Officials said army aviation conducted 77 sorties and evacuated 94 casualties apart
from rescuing 363 people on Thursday alone.
Army choppers are also being used for transporting troops, and delivering
relief material to inaccessible areas, along with helicopters and other
aircraft of the IAF.
Six Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH) of the IAF are, meanwhile, positioned at
Kathmandu and two at Pokhara.
The most affected areas where casualty evacuation were carried in the past few
days are Chautara, Charkot, Dhading, Melum, Lukla, Aroghat, Dhunche, Trishuli,
Ramchap, Barpak, Narayan Chor, Namchi Bazar and Tatopani, an official statement
said.
The field hospitals of army set up at Sinamangal and Lagankhel provided medical
assistance to 261 people on Thursday and also conducted nine surgeries.
Medical teams operating as part of army's outreach assistance in Barpak and
elsewhere in Gorkha provided medical aid to 392 people.
Engineer Task Forces in Barpak, Basantpur and Jorbat continued clearing task to
reach out to far-flung areas.
Officials said on Friday that 150 metres of track has been cleared and 130
cubic metre of debris have been removed in these areas. The Task Forces are
also enabling access to casualties by clearing debris and collapsed buildings.
Seven bodies have been recovered and one shelter has also been constructed at
Barpak village in Gorkha district.
Road convoys carrying tents, blankets, tarpaulins and plastic sheets,
meanwhile, started reaching Kathmandu on Friday.
In addition, 550 tents and two RO Plants apart from 12 tonnes water have been
dispatched from New Delhi by IAF flights to Kathmandu, officials said.
A communication detachment with two satellite terminals for communication from
Kathmandu and Pokhara have also been inducted on Friday, officials added.