Christian Paradis, Canada’s Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced on Saturday that the Government of Canada will support experienced humanitarian organizations with $5 million to provide life-saving assistance to meet the urgent needs of people affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Canada is also a contributor to international rapid response mechanisms that ensure partner organizations are able to act immediately at the onset of a crisis.

“Canada is deeply concerned by the impact of this catastrophic earthquake in Nepal,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this natural disaster.”

Canada’s timely assistance will help to provide the affected with access to food, drinking water, shelter and health, hygiene and protection services.

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further assistance if required to help meet life-saving needs.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s statement on Nepal

Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Saturday issued the statement.

“On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and northern India who lost family and friends in this powerful earthquake and its aftershocks. The thoughts and prayers of all Canadians are with the many affected by this disaster and we wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. 

“Our officials in the region are working with Nepalese and Indian authorities to ensure that any Canadians affected by the earthquake are safe and accounted for. In cooperation with international partners, they are also assessing the needs of the affected populations to determine how Canada may most effectively assist with the disaster if asked to help.

“We mourn with the people of Nepal and India in the aftermath of this terrible natural disaster and offer our help and our prayers.

Japan Disaster Relief Rescue Team Arrived

The Japan's Disaster Relief (JDR) Rescue Team arrived to Nepal to conduct rescue operations for missing persons in response to the request from the Government of Nepal following the damage caused by the massive earthquake that took place on April 25th.

The 70-member team headed by Shigenobu Kobayashi, Disaster Relief Team Leader of Japan, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comprising of search and rescue experts from National Police Agency, Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan Coast Guard, and Japan International Cooperation Agency, is expected to arrive in Kathmandu at 12:25 tomorrow April 27 by TG319.

The JDR Rescue Team underwent INSARAG External Re-classification (IER) process from March 2 to 5 this year, and it was awarded "Heavy" classification, which is the best of ratings following the previous award of "Heavy" classification in 2010. IER is an UN external classification process to evaluate the operational capability and capacity of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams.