(a) whether the Government has provided any aid and assistance to
earthquake affected Nepal recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any damage/loss has also been suffered in various States of the country from the earthquake;
(d) if so, the details in this regard, Statewise; and
(e) the relief measures provided to the affected States along with the steps taken by the Government to minimise the losses during natural disasters in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) to (e) Yes, Madam. The Government of India had extended all possible assistance through deployment of the resources of Army, Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for search and rescue operations, and provision of relief and rescue material including food, water, medicines, tents, blankets, water purifying systems etc. to the Nepal Government during the disaster response phase.
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LS.US.Q.NO. 172. DATED FOR 21.07.2015
The Government of India sent NDRF rescue Teams and relief material within six hours of earthquake. These teams had worked round the clock in close coordination with the Government of Nepal during disaster response phase. NDRF rescued 11 persons and recovered 133 dead bodies.
In order to support the affected people of Nepal, the Government of India rushed more than 5500 tons of food/ ration/ MRE, 300 tons of water, 60 tons of medicines, 10000 tents, 2.9 lakh tarpaulin and 2.6 lakh blanket etc. to Nepal during response phase.
Further, India stands with Nepal in firm solidarity for the long-term recovery and rehabilitation phase, and remains committed to extend full support and assistance for the reconstruction efforts, in accordance with the requirements and priorities of the Government of Nepal. The Government of India has announced pledge of US$ 1billion for reconstruction assistance to Nepal, one forth of which will be as grant. This is in addition to GOI’s existing aid package to Nepal of US$ 1 billion.
As per the information received from the State Governments, 102 human lives (79 in Bihar, 19 in Uttar Pradesh, 3 in West Bengal, 1 in Rajasthan) had been lost due to the earthquake of 25th April 2015 and severe aftershock of 12th May 2015. About 13,000 houses were also reported damaged. Teams of NDRF were deployed to assist the State Governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
With regard to minimizing the losses, there are institutional mechanisms at the National and State level for effective management of natural disasters. In order to
strengthen the existing disaster management system, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was enacted and notified on December 26, 2005. The Act provides for institutional mechanisms for drawing up and monitoring the implementation of the disaster management plans, which includes holistic, coordinated, and prompt response to any calamity situation in the country and ensures measures by various wings of Government for prevention, mitigation and for minimizing the effects of calamities. Further, the strengthening of the disaster management is a continuing process of the governance. The measures as taken by the Government of India and the State Governments are expected to improve the existing disaster management practices including the preparedness, mitigation & control and are further expected to minimize the losses during natural disaster in the country.