S'pore sends over S$560,000 worth of humanitarian assistance to Nepal

Singapore handed over more than S$560,000 worth of humanitarian assistance to Nepal on Sep. 4, to support ongoing search, recovery and disaster victim identification efforts.

The package includes medical supplies, DNA testing kits, personal protective equipment, and specialised equipment for search and recovery operations.

"The humanitarian assistance package that we are handing over today has been put together through close collaboration between several Singapore agencies and the Nepali authorities, to support Nepal's ongoing search and recovery efforts," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang said.

She added that the Singapore Police Force (SPF), supported by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and the Health Sciences Authority, is also deploying officers specialising in Disaster Victim Identification and aerial surveillance to assist the Nepalese authorities, in response to Nepal’s request.

According to an update on SPF's Facebook on Sep. 6, the 35-member contingent has arrived in Nepal and begun working on the ground in support of the ongoing disaster relief efforts.

The latest assistance comes on top of an earlier US$100,000 contribution by the Singapore government to the Singapore Red Cross’ public fundraising efforts, which have raised more than S$3 million to date.

"We are heartened by the generosity and compassion of Singaporeans in supporting the Nepali people during this difficult time," Gan said.

"The humanitarian assistance package that we are handing over today is a testament to the close relationship between our two countries. We hope that our modest contribution will support the brave men and women on the ground and bring comfort and relief to the people who are affected by this tragedy."

"We stand ready to provide further support in accordance with Nepal's needs," she added.

Search for missing Singaporeans ongoing

Gan also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MFA) Crisis Response Team has been on the ground in Nepal since Aug. 27 and is working closely with local authorities to locate the missing Singaporeans.

The ministry remains in close contact with their families, providing regular updates, assistance on the ground in Nepal and other forms of support, she said.

"We will continue to render the necessary assistance as we work with all the relevant parties and families during this very difficult period."

The nine Singaporeans missing were earlier identified as Rengarajan Prabu, Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan, Subramaniam Diraviam, Rajesvaran Ayyavoo, Estee Loeh, Ghosh Aditi, Ng Kit Kuen, Shubakshi Rawla, and Sumit Rawla.