Humanitarian response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake

An earthquake struck Nepal at on 25 April 2015 with a moment magnitude (Mw) of 7.8 or 8.1Ms and a maximum Mercalli Intensity of IX ("Violent"). It was the most powerful earthquake to strike Nepal since the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake. Many thousands of people died as a result, with most casualties reported in Nepal, including on Mount Everest, and adjoining areas of India, China, and Bangladesh.
Within minutes of the earthquake, the Government of India, via the Indian Armed Forces, initiated Operation Maitri ("Operation Amity"), created humanitarian missions with the primary objective of conducting relief and rescue operations in Nepal. India has been the largest aid donor to Nepal following the earthquake with a billion dollar support apart from other non-monetary reliefs extended. Many countries and organizations have donated aid including China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, all of which provided or funded helicopters as requested by the Nepali government. Numerous charitable organizations, such as UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders, are delivering aid on the ground. Israel provided a large team of people to the relief effort in Nepal, second only to India. Another earthquake, or major aftershock struck Nepal on 12 May 2015. A total of $3bn was pledged by donors to help rebuild Nepal.
India.
Saturday, 25 April: Initial response.
Government of India was among the first to respond to the crisis, by launching a full-fledged rescue and relief operation codenamed Operation Maitri ("Operation Amity"). Within 15 minutes of the quake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded, directing immediate dispatch of relief and rescue teams, including medical teams, to Nepal. By the same afternoon, ten teams from India's National Disaster Response Force, totaling 450 personnel and including several search and rescue dogs, had already arrived in Nepal; ten additional Indian Air Force planes soon departed to join them with further aid. In the immediate aftermath of the quake, India sent 43 tons of relief material, including tents and food. Prime Minister Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and assured him of India's support and assistance.
The Indian Army sent three top military commanders, led by Major General J. S. Sandhu to Nepal to coordinate, oversee and fast-track the rescue, relief and evacuation efforts. The Indian personnel are working closely with hundreds of retired Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army. The Indian Air Force mobilised its Ilyushin Il-76, C-130J Hercules, Antonov An-32 and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters for Operation Maitri.
Sunday, 26 April.
The Indian Air Force evacuated over 500 citizens from Nepal late Saturday through Sunday morning, and hundreds more on Sunday. Ten flights were planned for Sunday. These would airlift army forward hospitals, teams of doctors, nurses, and paramedics, engineering task forces, water, food, National Disaster Response Force teams, medical personnel and equipment, blankets, stretchers and tents. 
An Indian army mountaineering team recovered the bodies of 19 mountaineers from Everest base camp and rescued at least 61 stranded climbers from Mount Everest. Indian Air Force helicopters reached Mount Everest on the morning of 26 April for rescue operations. Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar announced that six more National Disaster Response Force teams would be sent to Nepal in the next 48 hours. He also announced that the aircraft sent to Nepal would not just rescue Indians, but citizens of other countries as well.
By Sunday night, India dispatched a further 10 tons of blankets, 50 tons of water, 22 tons of food items and 2 tons of medical supplies to Kathmandu. Nearly 1,000 National Disaster Response Force personnel were also pressed into service, and a "big evacuation" of Indian citizens was underway through the road route. The government deployed 35 buses to evacuate stranded Indians in Nepal via two routes—Sonauli and Raxaul—along the Indo-Nepal border. India started issuing goodwill visas to foreigners stranded in Nepal and mobilizing buses and ambulances to bring them to India by road. Indian Railways shipped 100,000 (one lakh) bottles of drinking water via the Air Force to be delivered as part of the relief effort. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu later tweeted out that there were arrangements being made to supply 100,000 bottles every day. Air India reduced fares on flights bound for Kathmandu from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and announced that it would also carry relief material on its flights. Similarly, SpiceJet offered to accommodate "accredited NGOs and relief organizations looking to transport emergency supplies" and doctors free of charge.
Monday, 27 April.
By Monday morning, the Indian Air Force had evacuated 1,935 Indian citizens from Nepal using 12 aircraft sorties. Indian Army sources said six of 18 medical teams tasked to help with the relief efforts in Nepal had been deployed. The Indian Army was in the process of sending 10 engineer task forces with machinery to clear roads and debris. The troops took with them a further 10,000 blankets and 1,000 tents were on standby. The Indian army also brought oxygen cylinders for distribution to medical teams.
An inter-ministerial team comprising senior officials from the ministries of Home, Defence, External Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) went to Nepal to coordinate rescue and relief operations. The decision to send the high-level team was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi on the Sunday. The team was to coordinate with the Nepalese government in the rescue, relief and salvage operations and assess the damage. India sent Unmanned aerial vehicles to Kathmandu to map the destruction in Nepal and help channelize resources effectively. The UAVs were also to help in locating survivors in half-collapsed buildings and could be used to look through balconies or windows for trapped victims.
The Indian government is sending teams of senior executives and engineers from state-run energy companies to Nepal in order to restore power lines and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply. In the first phase, a team of five senior executives from the Indian Oil Corporation and more than a dozen engineers from transmission undertaking PowerGrid Corporation of India have gone to Nepal. By the end of Monday, a further 5 tons of milk, light vehicles, a reverse osmosis (RO) plant, oxygen regenerators, medical supplies, blankets, tents, 14 tons of food (ITC noodles) were sent to Nepal, and personnel including 3 National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams, 2 Field Hospitals, 2 Air Force Communication Centre Vehicles were also sent. The Indian Air Force conducted extensive helicopter operations, rescuing at least 337 injured people and air dropping 3.5 tons of relief materials in inaccessible places.
By the end of Monday, approximately 5,400 Indian citizens were evacuated from Nepal. 30 foreign nationals were also evacuated to India. The Indian government received requests for help from many countries and took steps to evacuate their citizens to India. The Indian Foreign Secretary announced that 3 additional NDRF teams were being sent to Nepal on Monday. The Indian Army Engineer Task Force (Indian Army Corps of Engineers) succeeded in repairing and reopening the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The Ministry of Defence (India) established a satellite communication link between the Indian Army Engineer Task Force and the Nepalese Army Headquarters. As desired by the Nepalese Army, the Indian Army set up a task force headquarters in Kathmandu under Major General Sandhu and another in Barpak under Brigadier Gamlin. The Indian Air Force sent four additional helicopters – four HAL Dhruv advanced light helicopters and two Cheetah helicopters to Pokhara to expedite rescue efforts.
Tuesday, 28 April.
By Tuesday, 28 April, India had deployed 18 medical teams and three field hospitals, as well as two mobile teams of specialist doctors. With the weather improving, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army fanned out to remote areas while continuing to transport essential items from various bases to Kathmandu and evacuating distressed persons to India. A 41-member medical team, along with medical supplies, was sent to Nepal from Rajasthan. The Sashastra Seema Bal dispatched over three dozen vehicles, including ambulances and water tankers to Nepal from its border camps. The Indian government dispatched a further 220 tons of food packets and dry rations, 50 tons of water, 2 tons of medicines, 40 tents and 1,400 blankets to Nepal. The Indian Army established a 45-bed hospital at Lagankhel, Nepal to treat those injured in the quake.
By the end of Tuesday, India had evacuated 20,000 Indian citizens and 170 foreign nationals from Nepal. The foreign nationals included 4 people from Brazil, 20 from the Czech Republic, 5 from France, 8 from Germany, 1 from Mexico, 33 from Poland, 1 from Romania, 2 from Russia, 2 from South Africa, 71 from Spain, 1 from Switzerland, 4 from Tanzania, 3 from the United Kingdom, 5 from Ukraine and 10 from the United States.
Despite their widespread help, India's relief operation was not without controversies. Local & international media and citizens accused Indian Army of not obliging to Nepalese authority, carrying out relief operation at their own will without any coordination, and even blocking the only international airport with their military cargo planes waiting to fly Indian citizens back home, which delayed aid and relief from other nations as their relief planes were grounded at various airports in India for days. Another report accused Indian Army helicopters flying too close to China's no fly zone with the intent of spying. Indian media faced a similar backlash for their insensitive reporting, to which the Nepalese responded by the hashtag #GoHomeIndianMedia on Twitter which trended within few hours.
The total help by India can be summarised as follows:
Material aid in Operation Maitri:
• 8 tons of baby food
• Over 100 tons of medical supplies
• 75,000 vials of insulin
• Over 200 tons of water
• 100,000 bottles of water every day from the Indian Railways
• Hundreds of tons of food and dry rations
• 43 tons of relief material
• 10 tons of blankets
• Several tons of stretchers, tents
• A reverse osmosis (RO) plant
• Oxygen regenerators & cylinders
• 345 tons of relief material, dry food and essential medicines from the state governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh<br>
Rescue aid:
• 16 National Disaster Response Force teams, over 1,000 personnel, search-&-rescue dogs
• Hundreds of retired Indian Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army
• Hundreds of Indian Army and Indian Air Force personnel
• Military task forces headquartered in Kathmandu and Barpak
• Relief sorties by Ilyushin Il-76, C-130J Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, Antonov An-32 aircraft
• Civilian aircraft
• Helicopters – Mi-17, Cheetah, HAL Dhruv ALH
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• 18 member medical team
• 3 field hospitals
• 2 mobile teams of specialist doctors
• 41 member medical team from the state of Rajasthan
• Indian Air Force rapid action medical team
• 45 bed hospital at Lagankhel
• Light vehicles
• Earth moving equipment
• 18 Indian Army Engineer Task Forces (Indian Army Corps of Engineers)
• Indian Oil Corporation team
• PowerGrid Corporation of India engineers
• 36+ vehicles – ambulances and water tankers – from the Sashastra Seema Bal
• 39 member Indian Army team deployed at the Everest Base Camp to search for, rescue and assist climbers
Evacuation of over 20,000 Indian citizens and hundreds of foreign nationals by air and road
Other nations.
Algeria.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, Algeria dispatched 70 relief workers, medicines, and other supplies to Nepal.
Australia.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced an immediate AUD$5 million aid package of life-saving humanitarian support to Nepal consisting of $2.5 million to assist Australian non-government organisations, $2.0 million to support United Nations partners, and $500,000 to support the Australian Red Cross. Australia also dispatched two humanitarian experts and a crisis response team to the region.
Austria.
Austria gave €750,000 to help with relief efforts in Nepal. The Austrian Red Cross sent several search and rescue staff to the region.
Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations sent one ton of drugs, medical supplies, tents, blankets and packaged drinking water aboard Beriev Be-200 aircraft.
Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at the loss of lives in the earthquake and dispatched a BAF Lockheed C-130B aircraft with 10 tonnes of relief materials, including tents, dry food, water and blankets carrying a 34-member team consisting of 6 military medical teams and representatives of the Foreign Ministry. The aircraft later left the teams in Nepal and returned with 50 Bangladeshi citizens, including stranded women, minors and the visiting under-14 female football team.
Bangladesh provided at least 100,000 tons of rice and other relief materials including drinking water to help the earthquake victims in Nepal. Xinhua quoted Bangladeshi Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury as saying, "We will send more 50,000 metric tons of rice and other relief materials later". Bangladeshi Food Minister Qamrul Islam has already been called for initiating an immediate measure in this regard, the agriculture minister said. Bangladesh has been sending relief materials to Nepal regularly following the earthquake that killed at least 6,700 people so far, she said. Bangladesh wants to stand beside Nepal as it played an important role in favor of Bangladesh's independence in 1971, Matia said. Meanwhile, four cargo trucks carrying approximately 25 metric tons of essential relief materials for earthquake victims in Nepal left Dhaka on Monday afternoon.
The cargoes would travel through Banglabandh-Fulbari-Panitanki- Kakarbhitta land route. The relief materials include 3000 cartons (12 metric tons) of dry food and fruit juice donated by local organisation Pran, and 5000 pieces of blankets donated by leading development organisation BRAC, according to a press release of the Nepalis embassy in Bangladesh. Some of the materials were donated by various private companies, charitable organisations and educational institutions and others were collected by Nepalis and Bangladeshi volunteers.
Belgium.
Belgium has offered search and rescue teams to Nepal.
Bhutan.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay expressed his condolences and solidarity with the people of Nepal through social media. Economic Affairs Minister Norbu Wangchuk also conveyed condolences. Wangchuk said that the celebration of World Intellectual Property Day was to be suspended in solidarity with the people of Nepal. Wangchuk added that there was no major damage in Bhutan. Under the command of the Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck a medical team of 63 personnel led by the Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and the health minister arrived in Kathmandu. Bhutan provided a rehabilitation fund of Nu.62 million (US$1 million) according to the PM's office. Prime Minister Tobgay announced that Bhutan's National Flag would fly at half mast to mourn the loss of lives caused by the earthquake.
Brazil.
The Brazilian Ministry of External Relations released a note expressing "deep sadness" and conveying its "condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims, the people and the Government of Nepal."
Brunei.
Brunei has sent eight-man relief contingent, comprising two doctors and four paramedics from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Brunei's Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU).
Bulgaria.
President Rosen Plevneliev conveyed his condolences to Nepal quake victims on behalf of the people and government of Bulgaria.
Canada.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement offering "heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and northern India", and "wish[ing] a speedy recovery to all those injured". The statement clarified that Canadian officials in the region were "working with Nepalese and Indian authorities" to locate and ensure the safety of any Canadians in the area, while also "cooperat[ing] with international partners [to] assess the needs of the affected populations to determine how Canada may most effectively assist with the disaster". Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson asserted that "Canada will do everything it can to assist", and announced that the country was contributing CAD $5 million to the relief efforts. A Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) advance group, consisting of 30 experts, departed for Nepal on the evening of 26 April. Numerous Canadian humanitarian organizations pledged to contribute to the relief efforts, and several community groups commenced active fundraising for Nepal. On 27 April, the federal government announced that it would "match – dollar-for-dollar – all eligible contributions" made to the newly established Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund retroactively from 26 April until 25 May, and "offered to expedite immigration applications from the devastated region, … as well as extend student, work or visitor visas for Nepalese".
The same day, the country's most populous province – Ontario – pledged CAD $1 million to the Canadian Red Cross, and a Boeing C-17 military transport took off loaded with additional emergency supplies – "including blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, and tarps" – from the nation's own stockpiles. By the evening of 27 April 150 Canadian troops were on standby for deployment to the afflicted region. At the time of the earthquake, 462 Canadians were registered as being in Nepal; the exact number in the country is unclear since traveler registration with the Canadian government is voluntary.
China.
Premier Li Keqiang sent messages of condolence to the Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushil Koirala, and pledged to offer assistance. Xi Jinping, the President of China, sent his condolences to Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav and pledged to offer assistance, asserting that China was "willing to offer all necessary disaster assistance". The China International Search and Rescue Team (CISAR) deployed 68 of its members, as well as 6 search and rescue dogs, to Nepal via chartered plane in the early morning of 26 April, Beijing time. On 26 April, the Chinese government announced it will provide CN¥20 million (US$3.3 million) in humanitarian aid in the form of tents, blankets, and much medicine including spray with helicopters and generators. The Chinese embassy in Nepal launched an emergency response mechanism to help with the Chinese nationals injured in the disaster. Chinese helicopters are also aiding the response.
Colombia.
The President of Colombia expressed total solidarity with the people of Nepal and assured them that aid would be sent.
Czech Republic.
The Government of the Czech Republic said that they are giving to Nepal CZK 20 million (US$791,378) aid and sending the disaster response team in Melamchi including 36 medicals and 13 firefighters for a month. Foreign Minister Lubomír Zaorálek expressed his deepest condolences to families and friends of victims. As many as 20 stranded nationals of Czech Republic in Nepal were evacuated.
Denmark.
The government has sent DKK 5 million to Nepal, and Development Minister Mogens Jensen indicated that additional aid would likely be forthcoming. "It is a terrible situation for … one of the world's poorest countries", he observed, "Therefore it is important for us to be there with support and help". Jensen added that Denmark is "clearly ready to contribute more if there is a need for it". On top of the official aid, multiple Danish humanitarian organizations are in the process of raising funds for Nepal.
Egypt.
Egypt's government expressed condolences to Nepal's government and people in an official statement, stressing that it stood with Nepal in its diversity, paid respect to the victims and wished the wounded people a rapid recovery.
Estonia.
The Estonian Disaster Relief Team dispatched a team of 15 rescue workers and medics. The rescuers could not be deployed, because the Finnish airplane that was to depart along with Finnish rescuers was not granted permission to land by Nepali authorities. The government started a fundraising campaign.
Finland.
The Government of Finland donated monetary support of €3 million to help Nepal earthquake victims. The Finnish Red Cross launched a fundraising campaign for Nepal, and sent a team of relief workers along with medical and logistical supplies to the region to assist with recovery operations.
France.
On 25 April, the government of France expressed solidarity with the people and government of Nepal. A crisis centre was set up at France's Foreign Ministry, and a reinforcement team sent to New Delhi. On 26 April 2015, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius announced that an initial mission of 11 rescuers plus equipment and supplies was departing for Kathmandu that morning. Additional assistance would follow according to the needs and demands of local authorities and NGOs.
Germany.
On the day of the quake, the government of Germany pledged to provide assistance. On Sunday [3 May], a team of 52 German relief workers – including physicians, expert searchers, and multiple dog squads – will land in Nepal with a mobile medical treatment centre, according to International Search and Rescue Germany. The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) deployed its Rapid Deployment Unit Water and Sanitation Abroad (SEEWA) to Nepal on 26 April.
Greece.
Greece has offered search and rescue teams to Nepal.
Hong Kong.
Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying sent a letter of condolence to Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, to express his deepest sympathies to the victims of the disastrous earthquake in Nepal on behalf of the Hong Kong Government and people of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Government announced on 28 April they would apply for a supplementary provision of HKD$50 million (equivalent to US$6.45 million) from the Finance Committee of the territory's Legislative Council (LegCo) to enable an injection to the Disaster Relief Fund for making a donation to the Government of Nepal as contribution to the relief work. The chairperson of the Finance Committee of the LegCo, Tommy Cheung of the Liberal Party, announced on Thursday, 30 April that the provision had been passed by circulation, without going through the normal procedure of an open meeting.
The Immigration Department had sent three immigration officers to Kathmandu to help locate Hongkongers reported to be missing.
Chief Executive of World Vision Hong Kong, Kevin Chiu said they had raised HKD$10 million (US$1.29 million) and would apply for HKD$7 million (US$967,478) from the Disaster Relief Fund of the Hong Kong Government. The money would be used to provide victims with tents, tarpaulins, solar-powered lights, and other necessities.
Hungary.
The Foreign Ministry made HUF 300 million ($1 million) available for emergency aid to Nepal.
Indonesia.
President Joko Widodo indicated that Indonesian preparations to assist Nepal were currently in progress, and that the country would be sending SAR and Medical teams to Nepal as soon as the Tribhuvan International Airport reopened. On 27 April 2015, the President announced that Indonesia would be donating US$2 million to the relief efforts. On 29 April 2015, The SAR and Medical team flew with a military plane from Jakarta to Kathmandu with 66 personnel and 6 tons of relief supplies. The plane was scheduled to arrive on Thursday, 30 April with a transit in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Iran.
President Hassan Rouhani offered "sympathy and condolences" to the people of Nepal and to their President Ram Baran Yadav. Rouhani wished for a swift recovery of the injured and patience for the bereaved families. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham also expressed sympathy with the Nepalese government and nation over the deadly earthquake that hit the country earlier in the day, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing immediate recovery to those injured in the disaster. The Iranian Red Crescent Society declared its readiness to assist and to cooperate with the NRCS. The IRCS prepared a 40-ton humanitarian relief package to dispatch to Nepal; however, due to the critical conditions of the Kathmandu Airport, the package will be delivered through one of the neighboring countries.
Ireland.
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade initially said that the families of at least 51 Irish citizens in Nepal could contact them and that they were working to contact them all.
€1 million were subsequently donated for relief.
Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched a search and rescue team that included physicians to Nepal, and expressed Israel's willingness to assist in any way possible. Interior Minister Gilad Erdan also affirmed that Israel would assist the families of 24 surrogate babies, 9 of them born prematurely, by evacuating them to India and flying them to Israel to continue necessary medical procedures. On 26 April, two El Al Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets carrying an IDF search and rescue delegation, with medical elements and necessary equipment, were dispatched to Nepal. The return flights will carry survivors along with the surrogate infants. Three IAF C-130 Hercules planes left for Nepal on 27 April, with 260 personnel on board, and transported 95 tons of equipment including a field hospital with a ward for premature babies, cutting equipment, electronic devices to help find victims trapped under the rubble, generators, and lighting equipment. They also responded in easing any psychological trauma (especially to kids) with the help of clowns who danced, sang, told stories, shared toys and joked with affected children.
Israel's aid team to Nepal was the largest in manpower of any international aid mission.
Italy.
The Foreign Ministry made €300,000 available for emergency aid to Nepal.
Japan.
Within half a day of the quake, Japan's government had offered emergency assistance. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is sending 70 experts; they are scheduled to depart from Narita International Airport on 26 April, and will serve in Nepal for 7 days. The team includes experts from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, and JICA, along with rescuers, search and rescue dog handlers, communication specialists, physicians, and field coordinators. The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) and Shapla Neer announced on social networking sites that they have begun coordinating their emergency assistance. The Japan International Cooperation Agency has sent emergency relief supplies worth ¥25 million.
South Korea.
The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry has extended its condolences to the families and victims of Nepal and pledged to immediately donate US$1 million, along with a possible rescue team dispatched to assist in rescue missions. On 27 April, the South Korean government announced that it will send 40 search and rescue workers to Nepal.
Kuwait.
On 26 April, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, contacted the Prime Minister of Nepal to express his sorrow over the devastation in the latter country, and convey wishes for rapid recovery. The Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the Prime Minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, sent similar messages.
Latvia.
On 25 April, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with Latvian senior officials, extended "deepest condolences [and] sympathies", and "wish[es] for a rapid recovery" to the people and government of Nepal.
Lithuania.
President Dalia Grybauskaitė and Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius both offered their condolences and solidarity with the people of Nepal. Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that there was at least 60 Lithuanian citizens in Nepal during the catastrophe and that ministry officials were working to contact them.
Malaysia.
Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said his country was ready to extend assistance to Nepal once access to the Tribhuvan International Airport has been restored. Later, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that Malaysia will send 20 medical doctors from Mercy Malaysia along with a 30-man rescue team from the "Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team" (SMART) with medicines and medical supplies to Kathmandu by C-130 aircraft. The aircraft will also standby there to evacuate all Malaysians in the region to Kuala Lumpur.
Mexico.
On the day of the quake, the government of Mexico pledged to provide assistance. Mexico's Red Cross group, the Embassy of Mexico in Nepal, along with several non-governmental groups like Topos de Tlatelolco, UNICEF México, Cadena México, and Oxfam México, provided aid.
Monaco.
On the day of the quake, the Monegasque government indicated it would send aid to Nepal "in the coming hours".
Netherlands.
The Dutch Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) has mobilized a 62-human and 8-dog contingent to send to Nepal; they will arrive, accompanied by a cohort of Dutch physicians, nurses, and engineers, as well as 5 tons of relief supplies, on 28 April. USAR is very highly experienced, and able to operate independently, so their presence does not deplete local sources of food, water, or shelter. The Netherlands' €4 million financial contribution is being managed by the Dutch Relief Alliance. Founded the day prior to the earthquake, the Alliance coordinates the efforts of Dutch aid agencies and humanitarian organizations in order to expedite the response to disasters.
New Zealand.
New Zealand sent an initial NZD$1 million in humanitarian aid, and has mobilised 45 urban search and rescue technicians.
Norway.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that Norway would contribute NOK 30 million to Nepal.
Pakistan.
In an immediate statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed "his deep shock at the reports of massive earthquake that has caused devastation in Nepal and Northern India this morning" and, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, expressed "heartfelt condolences and sympathies ... on the tragedy that has caused loss of precious lives and properties". The statement also indicated that Pakistan's diplomatic missions in India and Nepal had been directed "to approach their respective host governments to ascertain the damages caused and the requirement of relief assistance", while the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan stood by. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, offering humanitarian assistance following the midday earthquake.
Later that day, Pakistan announced that it was sending the PAF's four Lockheed C-130 planes packed with life-saving emergency equipment – including a 30-bed hospital, 2,000 military meals, 600 blankets, 200 tents, and other assorted relief items – along with military emergency personnel including army doctors, medical staff, and the combined ERRA-NDMA's special search and rescue teams with sniffer dogs. In a field visit, chief of Nepalese Army expressed his gratitude towards Government of Pakistan and Pakistan Army's response to the disaster, he personally thanked Government and people of Pakistan saying "Kathmandu will remember Pakistan's help".
Palestine.
President Mahmoud Abbas offered his condolences to the President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav. Abbas expressed his and the Palestinian people's solidarity with the families of the victims, and expressed wishes for a speedy recovery for the wounded, affirming the Palestinian side's willingness to provide all possible help.
Philippines.
President Benigno Aquino III issued a statement, "Time and again, the world has come together to render assistance in times of dire need: Filipinos from all walks of life have likewise expressed sympathy and offered prayers for the Nepalese people", he said. Aquino has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to send a team from the Philippine embassy in New Delhi, India to go to Nepal to meet the needs of Filipinos affected by the earthquake. In a chance interview, AFP Chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang will be sending a platoon of soldiers to help in the search and rescue efforts once given the go signal. The Philippine Red Cross will send staff and volunteers to Nepal in response to the earthquake.
Poland.
Poland has sent 81 firefighters of the State Fire Service, 12 search and rescue dogs and 6 doctors of the Polish Center for International Aid. On 28 April, 33 Polish citizens were evacuated by the Indian Air Force.
Portugal.
The Portuguese non-governmental organisation (NGO), International Medical Assistance Foundation () offered €160,000 to help the victims of the devastating quake.
Qatar.
Two aircraft laden with Qatari aid materials left on Sunday from Doha, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported. Each plane carried 60 tonnes of relief materials including foodstuffs, medicines, power generators and tents. Two other aircraft will leave on Monday with 120 tonnes of relief materials, in addition to a field hospital provided by Qatari Red Crescent (QRC) to deliver medical aid to the affected people. The Standing Committee of Emergency, Rescue, Relief and Humanitarian Aid, headed by Lekhwiya, undertook the task of preparing the relief materials and coordinating with the concerned authorities. On top of this, QRC had on Saturday issued an emergency appeal to raise QAR 12 million for the relief of Nepal earthquake victims and allocated QAR 1 million for emergency relief operations concerning health, sheltering, water, sanitation and restoring family links.
Romania.
President Klaus Iohannis expressed compassion and solidarity with the people affected by the earthquake in Nepal, stating that Romania joins the other countries of the world who have expressed solidarity with the authorities in Nepal and from the other countries affected by the earthquake.
Russia.
President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to the President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, in connection with the loss of lives and destruction in various parts of Nepal due to the quake. Russia's Ministry for Emergency Situations offered aid to Nepal in addressing the aftermath of the Nepal earthquake 2015, and assembled a team of over 50 highly skilled rescue workers with "expansive experience of operations in … areas struck by earthquakes", including China, Haiti, and Turkey. The team was supplied with "top-notch equipment enabling it to work autonomously", and made ready to depart for Nepal "immediately".
Serbia.
Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić sent his "deepest condolences … [o]n behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Serbia" to the Prime Minister of Nepal, asserting that "[t]he Republic of Nepal and [its] citizens can always count on the sincere and friendly support of the Republic of Serbia".
Singapore.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong penned a letter of condolence to then Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and dispatched a search and rescue team consisting of 55 members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force; officers from Singapore Police Force, as well as the Gurkha Contingent. Singapore also prepared to deploy disaster relief teams to the area. Another relief team departed Singapore on 27 April. The government of Singapore "kick-started" the Singapore Red Cross' disaster relief drive with a contribution of SGD$100,000.
Slovenia.
The Government of Slovenia decided on 29 April 2015 to give €50,000 in direct financial aid to Nepal following the catastrophic earthquake in the country. The funds will be secured from the budget reserves and will be provided through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The decision was announced by Prime Minister Miro Cerar, who added that Slovenia was also open for other forms of assistance.
South Africa.
On 25 April, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that all South Africans in Nepal were accounted for and safe. The next day, President Jacob Zuma sent his condolences to the people and government of Nepal.
A search and rescue team with dogs from the South African Police Service was deployed to Nepal.
Spain.
On the day of the quake, the Spanish government pledged to provide assistance. On Monday, Spain officially sought India's help in evacuating its nationals from Nepal. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Spanish Foreign Minister that India will provide all possible help to Spanish nationals in Nepal. By 28 April, as many as 71 Spanish citizens were safely evacuated by Indian military personnel.
Sri Lanka.
The Government of Sri Lanka took steps to provide emergency relief to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal. On 25 April, special Sri Lanka Air Force C-130 Hercules flights departed for Nepal with a stock of emergency relief supplies, along with groups of specialist physicians, other medical staff, and medicines. As of 26 April, the nation had sent 44 military personnel and 4 medical consultants; the foregoing is to be followed by a team of 156 persons – including 11 airmen, 4 medical consultants, and 14 sailors – and an aircraft full of food supplies.
On 29 April, A SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330 flight departed with 97 service personnel comprised 72 Army personnel, 14 Navy personnel, 11 Air Force personnel. The group is taking along a consignment of 17 tons of supplies including much needed medicines, water bottles, dry rations, water purification tablets etc.
Sweden.
Sweden is giving US$1.5 million to help with relief efforts in Nepal. It is also sending 60 search and rescue staff along with dogs to the region on Monday, the news agency TT reported.
Switzerland.
On 26 April, a team of experts – including a physician, a building surveyor, and a water quality technician – were dispatched to Nepal, according to the Swiss Foreign Ministry.
Taiwan.
The Republic of China government donated US$300,000 to Nepal in the wake of the earthquake. Executive Yuan spokesman Sun Lih-chyun has also expressed Taiwan's willingness to help with the rescue and research efforts in Nepal.
Thailand.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha commanded to send medic teams and rescue teams from the Ministry of Public Health and Royal Thai Armed Forces. On 28 April, one Royal Thai Air Force Lockheed C-130 was flown to Kathmandu with army personnel and medics for a preliminary assessment for further aid. The mentioned flight also escorted 64 Thais back to Bangkok. On 30 April, two more C-130s were dispatched with 11 tonnes of supplies (of which included tents, canvas, field table sets, drinking water, canned fish, medicine and medical equipment, blankets, water filters, survival gear and saline solution), 67 army personnel, medics and relief and rescue worker. In addition to efforts undertaken by the government, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit of Thailand have donated TH฿10 million (approximately US$300,000) through the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation. A Royal Thai Air Force spokesman later disclosed that HRH Princess Sirindhorn decreed for 5 tonnes of tents, blankets, cushions, gas stoves and medicine to be sent to Nepal by air force carriers on the morning of 4 May to be distributed by the Thai medical camp set up in Kathmandu. Also delivered on the same day was a cumulative donation of TH฿106 million (US$3.2 million) collected from willing philanthropists. The Royal Thai Navy materially assisted relief efforts.
Tunisia.
The president of Ennahda Movement in gouvernance, issued a statement it presented its condolences to the State of Nepal and the Nepalese people after this "Terrible earthquake" he says. And it called on the people to donate and help the Nepalese people, And also it called on the State to participate in the rescue efforts, and called for international forces to assume their responsibility in relief Nepal.
Turkey.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry offered its condolences to the Nepali people and government due to the losses in the earthquake and has launched efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Turkish aid agencies have sent a search and rescue team made up of 65 people to Nepal.
United Arab Emirates.
On the day of the quake, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa sent his condolences to Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav; the nation's vice president and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, also conveyed his sympathies. On Sunday, the Ministry of Interior sent an 88-member search and rescue team to Nepal; the team is being led by the director of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Lt. Col. Mohammed Al Ansari, and will liaise with UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination staff on site. A second UAE team is traveling to India to purchase medical and food supplies which will be airlifted to Nepal. The Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, donated DH 5 million towards relief to quake victims.
United Kingdom.
Prime Minister David Cameron expressed condolences and offered assistance to Nepal. Coordinated by the Department for International Development, the United Kingdom government provided 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid and 8 tonnes of equipment. This formed part of a £33 million ($51 million) aid package, the third largest bilateral aid contribution after India and China, including around 100 search and rescue responders, medical experts, and disaster and rescue experts. Three Chinook helicopters, were transported to the region but returned unused by the Nepali government due to concerns about large helicopters blowing the roofs off houses. And 2 million pounds to the Red Cross.
An appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella group for 13 UK charities, raised £50 million ($79 million) in donations from the UK public.
Engineers from the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas began deploying to the region on 27 April 2015 to join others based permanently at the brigade's HQ in Kathmandu as well as with other Gurkha soldiers who were on Everest at the time of the earthquake who helped with immediate recovery efforts on the mountain. They are also providing translation support for other search and rescue teams because they speak both English and Nepali.
United States.
The White House and Secretary of State John Kerry offered condolences and pledged to offer assistance. On the day of the quake, the U.S. sent aid and released $1 million and a disaster response team to assist with immediate needs. Kerry stated that USAID was activating an urban search and rescue team. On 26 April, Urban Search and Rescue Virginia Task Force 1 from Fairfax County, Virginia was deployed to Nepal from the Dover Air Force Base. Los Angeles County's Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 2 was also sent to Nepal, and was scheduled to arrive on 28 April. U.S. Army Green Beret soldiers, who were in Nepal undergoing high-altitude training with the Nepalese army at the time of the quake, will be remaining in the country to assist with rescue efforts, the Pentagon announced late on 26 April. Joint Task Force 505 deactivated after deployment to humanitarian Operation Sahayogi Haat on 26 May 2015. The U.S. has sent $10 million in aid to Nepal as well.
Vatican City.
Pope Francis was offering prayers for the repose of the souls of the dead and for those injured as a result of the earthquake. He sent US$100,000, as a first installment, to aid the relief efforts.
Venezuela.
The government expressed its "deep sorrow" to victims in the powerful earthquake in Nepal and offered its expertise in rescue operations.
Vietnam.
The government has provided around US$50,000 and the Vietnam Red Cross provided another US$30,000 along with the deployment of 10 rescuers. However, all the rescuers return to their home country on 28 April with one of the rescue member citing the Nepal Red Cross did not let them to stay as they were not equipped with the native language or skills to understand the local situation.
Needs.
Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat criticized humanitarian efforts, saying "We have received things like tuna fish and mayonnaise. What good are those things for us?" There were reports of needing food, tarps, tents, and water.