Kathmandu: International support is pouring into Nepal as governments and humanitarian organisations mobilise millions in emergency aid to support rescue operations and provide life-saving assistance to communities devastated by the disaster.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Europe is committing €2 million in immediate humanitarian assistance for Nepal. The funding is aimed at delivering urgent, life-saving support to families and communities hardest hit by the disaster.
The United States has also begun sending emergency relief supplies. The US Embassy in Nepal said an initial shipment included more than 2.5 tonnes of food and essential supplies for two schools in Rasuwa that are currently being used as emergency shelters.
Canada has announced C$5 million in humanitarian support, while New Zealand has pledged NZ$1 million to the Nepal Red Cross Society and an additional NZ$1 million to other humanitarian aid organisations assisting affected communities.
India has significantly stepped up its humanitarian response.
According to India’s External Affairs Minister, a third aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance has departed for Nepal. India has also deployed 11 doctors, paramedics and a reconnaissance team to support specialised rescue operations, including tunnel rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said it had mobilised its entire global network in response to the crisis. The organisation has launched an emergency appeal seeking CHF 25 million to fund immediate life-saving assistance and strengthen relief operations.
The international aid effort is expected to focus on emergency rescue operations, food, drinking water, temporary shelter, healthcare and the rapid delivery of essential supplies to affected areas. With the scale of the disaster becoming clearer, further international assistance is expected in the coming days.
The growing global response highlights the urgency of the humanitarian situation in Nepal, as rescue teams and aid agencies work against time to reach affected families and communities.
