SINGAPORE –  The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is preparing to send a 55-man search-and-rescue contingent, while the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will deploy a medical team of about 15 medical personnel, to aid Nepal after a devastating earthquake yesterday (April 25) claimed more than 1,000 lives.

The Singapore relief contingent – which includes the SCDF and Singapore Police Force personnel and their equipment – will be transported to the affected area by a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft, said the Minstry of Defence in a press release this morning (April 26). 

"The Changi RHCC is monitoring the situation. If required, the SAF will do more. Our condolences to the people of Nepal. Let us help and pray for them in this moment of despair and grief."

Facebook post by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on the Singapore Armed Forces' assistance to Nepal after an earthquake on April 25, 2015. 

The MInistry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said last night that other than the SCDF team, the police would also send a contingent of officers to help with disaster relief efforts, including officers from its Gurkha Contingent. “In addition, Singapore is also looking at other areas of assistance, such as medical and humanitarian aid,” added the MFA.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said: “We are very saddened at the loss of lives from the earthquake. The Singapore Police Force has a sizable number of Gurkha officers, and some hail from the affected regions. We share their anxiety and concern for their families, and will do all we can to aid Nepal in this time of need.”

Writing on Facebook today, Mr Teo said: "Visited our Gurkhas this morning. Briefed on situation in Nepal. Our thoughts are with our officers and families. We thank the many generations of Gurkhas for your service to S'pore. SCDF, SPF & SAF team ready to depart including some from GC to help SAR, victim ident & med support."

Facebook post by DPM Teo Chee Hean on April 26, 2015. 

GOVT TO CONTRIBUTE S$100,000 SEED MONEY FOR SINGAPORE RED CROSS APPEAL

To support Nepal’s disaster relief efforts, the Government will also contribute S$100,000 as seed money to kick-start the Singapore Red Cross appeal for donations, said the ministry.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written a condolence letter to Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, while Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam has conveyed his condolences to his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and informed him of Singapore’s contribution and offers of assistance. Mr Lee and Mr Shanmugam have also offered their condolences on Facebook.

Facebook post by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressing his condolences to those affected by the earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25, 2015.

Facebook post by Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam on April 26, 2015.

As of 9.30pm last night, there have not been any reports of Singaporeans injured, said the MFA, adding that it had immediately contacted the registered Singaporeans in Nepal upon learning about the earthquake. A crisis response team to Kathmandu was also despatched this morning to assist Singaporeans, said Mr Shanmugam.

Singaporeans in Nepal who require consular assistance can contact the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in New Delhi at +91-98102-03595 or singhc_del [at] sgmfa.gov.sg. They may also contact the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at 6379 8800 / 8855 or mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg.