UK rescuers head out to Nepal earthquake disaster zone

Humanitarian volunteers and emergency service crews from the UK have begun a search and rescue mission in Nepal, following the earthquake which left more than 3,500 dead and thousands of others injured.
Volunteers from British charity Search and Rescue Assistance in Disasters (SARAID) check their equipment at Heathrow airport. Photo:PAVolunteers from British charity Search and Rescue Assistance in Disasters (SARAID) check their equipment at Heathrow airport. Photo:PA
Volunteers from British charity Search and Rescue Assistance in Disasters (SARAID) check their equipment at Heathrow airport. Photo:PA

Communication problems in the worst-affected areas mean families and friends around the world are still anxiously waiting for news of their loved one, with dozens of British and Irish people among those missing.

An RAF plane packed with supplies has been dispatched to the crisis zone, while charity workers, experts and fire fighters from across the UK have already begun the search for survivors.

They took with them more than 11 tonnes of kit, including torches, axes, rope, search cameras, stretchers and tents.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross said: “As the death toll continues to rise it is our absolute priority to continue the search and rescue operations and get aid to those left stranded.

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