Will continue rescue operations in Nepal for as long as it takes, says MEA

Over 11,300 Indians have come back from quake-hit Nepal via routes through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand, the government has said even as it underlined that it would continue to support rescue operations in the Himalayan country for "as long as it takes".

"More Indians return from Nepal. Government assists 11,300+ to return through 218 buses from UP, Bihar and Uttarakhand till date," tweeted the spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup. Asked how long will the Indian rescue operations continue in Nepal, he said, "We will remain engaged as long as it takes".

Over 3,350 Indians have also been brought back on board Indian Air Force aircraft. Critical requirements for Nepal were sent on Friday by two transport aircraft -- an IL-76 which carried 22.5 tonnes of ration from Chandigarh and a C-17 with 21 tonnes of MRE (Meals Ready to Eat), 1,800 blankets, two RO plants, two tonnes of civil/military medical stores and army communication equipment.

IAF helicopters have flown 26 sorties in Nepal, evacuating 82 persons to safer places. Also, 17 casualty evacuations were conducted out of which 12 were in Charkot and five in Lamabagarh.