The alacrity of the national and military response to this massive human tragedy that has unfolded in Nepal and in parts of India, and Tibet has been phenomenal. Decision-making in the Government of India has undergone a sea-change. Gone are the days of committees and core groups staffed by bureaucrats for whom decision making is the most difficult phenomenon and they revel in forming committees to delay decision making. This time it was different, thanks to a decisive PM and the ever ready military.

The Indian Military is an institution that responds fast and spontaneously and does not wait to receive any formal or informal orders and instructions. Even though last Saturday April 25, 2015, was the last day of the important Army Commanders Conference, it did not prove to be an inhibiting factor in quick and decisive responses. The well-oiled military machine, especially of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF), swung into action. Within a few hours Super Hercules and Globe Master transport aircraft of the IAF were hurtling down runways with trained personnel, medical and nursing staff and a wide variety of equipment and stores needed immediately for the succor of the affected populace.

As per the reports received from the Army headquarters on April 28, 2015, Indian Army has intensified its efforts and is operating in syngery with other agencies and stakeholders such as IAF and NDRF under guidance of the Government of India. It has been able to reach to far flung areas like Barpak, which is also the epicentre of the earthquake and is currently in the process of providing succor to the people in this area with an emphasis on saving precious lives.

Following stores have been/are being inducted by the Army:

• Induction of 4 advance light helicopters (ALH) and 2 Cheetah helicopters has been completed and are located close to the epicentre of earthquake, thereby assisting in the overall evacuation effort.
• 3 field hospitals (18 medical teams) are operating in Kathmandu, Pokhara and areas around it. A 45-bed hospital has been established at Lagankhel. Medical resources of Nepalese authorities have been augmented by embedding own medical persons in civilian hopitals in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Medical support provided so far includes 65 surgeries, 540 trauma cases and over 2,000 first aid cases.
• Engineer effort includes 12 Engineer Task Forces with JCBs and skid steers. Two have reached and 10 are to follow. An Electricity Damage Assessment Team, assisted the Nepalese authorities to restore power in various parts of Kathmandu. A landslide at Narainpur has also been cleared by Engineer Task Force today to open a road axis.
• 10,000 blankets, 1,000 tents and an equal number of tarpaulins and plastic sheet are planned to be sent. So far approximately 3,000 blankets and 100 tents have been sent.
• 12 INMARSAT (satellite communications) and 10 high frequency communication sets have been sent to facilitate communication.
• So far, 41 tonnes of water, 22 tonnes of cooked food and dry ration have been sent. In light of its criticality, 25 food and water vehicles were diverted to Sindhupal Chowk.
• Oxygen cylinders have also been sent to Kathmandu on request of Nepal. Indian Army’s Everest expedition team has done yeoman service and as per last reports received, rescued 19 mountaineers of other nations. On April 25, 2015, when the avalanche struck, most of the Army Everest Team was at Khumbu ice fall and training and acclimatising for the expedition. The expedition leader Major R.S. Jamwal effectively coordinated the rescue efforts. Major Ritesh Goel, the Medical Officer with the expedition team, was able to provide immediate medical aid to eight head injury victims in location before they were evacuated. He also helped stabilise over 60-70 casualties prior to evacuation. The expedition will re-commence based on clearance given by Nepal Goverment and the Everest Park officials.

Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army have been sent to various parts of Nepal to ascertain the requirements in remote places. The Indian Army remains committed for relief to the Nepalese people and we will continue to provide necessary support.

The IAF, till April 28 (1800 Hrs) has airlifted a total of 2,865 persons, flying a total of 36 fixed wing sorties by C-17 Globemaster III, IL-76, C-130J Super Hercules and AN-32 aircraft landing a total of 238.5 tonnes of relief material and equipment.