First Polish medics arrive in Kathmandu
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
27.04.2015 08:38
A six-man rapid response team of Polish medics has arrived in the Nepalese capital following the most devastating earthquake in the country in eighty years.
Photo: EPA/CARL WHETHAM
''Reaching the site of the tragedy took less than 48 hours,'' confirmed the Polish Centre for International Aid, in a statement.
''A second rescue team is already ready to leave Poland.''
Besides the medics, 81 firefighters from Warsaw, Gdańsk, Nowy Sącz, Łódź and Poznań are flying to Kathmandu as part of a HUSAR heavy search and rescue team, following clearance from the Interior Ministry.
Meanwhile, the Nepalese government announced early on Monday morning that the death toll has now risen to 3218 people. It is expected to increase, as rescue workers reach remote parts of the countryside.
The 7.8-magnitude quake on Saturday morning wreaked havoc through much of the historic centre of Kathmandu, while also destroying many villages in the countryside. An avalanche on Mount Everest also claimed victims.
Polish helpline
Poland's foreign ministry launched a helpline on Sunday for the families of Polish tourists travelling in the region.
The ministry has stressed that as of yet, there have been no confirmations of Polish victims. (nh)
Source: PAP