Sri Lankan relief workers leave for Nepal

The first air craft carrying relief items and a team of relief workers to assist in aid work in the earthquake hit regions in Nepal left the Katunayake International Airport on the morning of Sunday, April 26.

Army Spokesperson, Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera stated that that the team of relief workers includes 44 army personnel and four consultant doctors.

Meanwhile, medical equipment, essential electrical items and bottled drinking water is among relief items being taken by air to Nepal. The Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft is due to reach Nepal later.

Brigadier Jayaweera added that two other aircraft carrying 156 relief workers including 14 army personnel are due to leave the airport. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Nepal, W.M. Seneviratne noted that the Kathmandu International Airport has been closed for air traffic and added that however, discussions have been made regarding the arrival of Sri Lankan flights carrying relief aid.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in Nepal’s deadliest earthquake for more than 80 years. The 7.8 magnitude quake struck an area of central Nepal between the capital, Kathmandu, and the city of Pokhara. There were also victims in India, Bangladesh, Tibet and on Mount Everest, where avalanches were triggered.

The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, and help has been offered by countries around the world.