Search and rescue teams from the South African humanitarian agency Al Imdaad Foundation (AIF) are expected to arrive in Nepal on Monday to assist with the rescue mission. Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Saturday, east of the capital Kathmandu, followed by a powerful aftershock of 6.7 on Sunday, which was felt in India and Bangladesh.

The quake has also triggered avalanches near Mount Everest, where 17 people have been killed. Humanitarian organisations around the world are travelling to Kathmandu to assist with the rescue operation, as the death toll stands at 2000.

AIF sources on the ground have reported that the situation is dire and the death toll is set to climb. The relief agency will be facilitating its mission through its Bangladesh office which was recently opened. This will be one of the first projects for the Bangladesh team, who are being supported by the Bangladesh government. The team comprises of medical personnel, search and rescue workers and general volunteers from AIF’s Bangladesh office.

“Our first rescue team from Bangladesh will be in Nepal on Monday at 3pm SA time to assess the situation and see to the immediate needs of the victims of the earthquake,” said AIF spokesperson Qari Ziyaad Patel.

At present, Nepal is experiencing a number of tremors which have made the situation more dangerous. This will pose a challenge for emergency personnel, medical doctors and humanitarian volunteers who are working to rescue those affected.

“It’s such a crisis that we cannot be pulled back by the aftershocks. We need to spring into action,” said Patel.

Patel said they were made aware that a South African AIF staff member of Nepalese origin was in the country visiting his family, when the quake struck. He and his family are reportedly safe.

“He says the situation is very bad and what is more frightening is the aftershocks. From our experience in Haiti and Pakistan, we find that the buildings are already brittle and the aftershocks cause them to crumble away, resulting in more destruction.”

AIF belongs to a global humanitarian network and have been engaging with many international NGOS to assess the best routes to deliver humanitarian aid. The mission will be difficult as Kathmandu airport is closed and remote areas will be hard to access. The relief agency has been working closely with the South African embassy and representatives in Nepal and Bangladesh to respond in the best way possible.

To make any contributions to Al Imdaad Foundation, visit their website www.alimdaad.com. Also follow their Twitter page @Alimdaad for updates. VOC (Tasneem Adams)