26 April 2015, 07:36 GMT
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia will send teams of rescuers to assist Nepal in the aftermath of Saturday’s devastating earthquake, Russian Deputy Emergencies Minister Vladimir Stepanov said Sunday.
“The first two planes will leave today," Stepanov told reporters, adding that the departure time is not yet determined.
The russian teams will include rescuers with extensive experience in earthquake response, as well as doctors and psychologists. "We will also send Russian equipment to inspect buildings," Stepanov said.
On Saturday, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, causing major damage in the country and claiming the lives of some 2,000 people.
Countries across the world have offered Nepal both financial and practical assistance to cope with the devastating earthquake. Neighboring India, which was also affected by the earthquake, has already sent 10 teams of rescuers to Nepal and said Sunday it would send six more.
In a statement issued Saturday evening, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon promised to provide Nepal with relief materials and assistance and thanked the countries that had already offered their help in the aftermath of the disaster.
