MFA Spokesman's Comments in response to media queries on the earthquake in Nepal, 25 April 2015

In response to media queries on the earthquake in Nepal on 25 April 2015, the MFA spokesman said:

“The Singapore government expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Nepal over the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal on 25 April 2015 that has claimed hundreds of lives.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written a condolence letter to Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.  Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam has also conveyed his condolences to his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and informed him of Singapore’s contribution and offers of assistance.

DPM and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean has commented: “We are very saddened at the loss of lives from the earthquake. The Singapore Police Force has a sizable number of Gurkha officers, and some hail from the affected regions. We share their anxiety and concern for their families, and will do all we can to aid Nepal in this time of need.”  The Singapore Civil Defence Force is preparing to send a 55-man search-and-rescue contingent to aid Nepal in its post-disaster operations. The Singapore Police Force is also preparing to send a contingent of officers to help with disaster relief efforts, including officers from its Gurkha Contingent. In addition, Singapore is also looking at other areas of assistance, such as medical and humanitarian aid.   The Singapore Armed Forces will also support the relief efforts with the deployment of suitable resources.

In support of Nepal’s disaster relief efforts, the Singapore government will also make a contribution of S$100,000 as seed money to kick-start the Singapore Red Cross appeal for donations in light of the devastation and loss of life brought about by the earthquake. 

MFA had immediately contacted the registered Singaporeans in Nepal upon learning about the earthquake.  As of 2130 hrs, we have not received any reports of Singaporeans being injured.  Singaporeans in Nepal who require consular assistance can contact the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in New Delhi at +91-98102-03595 or singhc_del@sgmfa.gov.sg. Alternatively, they may contact the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at 6379 8800 / 8855 or mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg.”

_____________________________

25 April 2015

[Dear Prime Minister,]

                        I am saddened to learn of the loss of lives and damage caused by the earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015.

                       On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Nepal.  Singapore stands ready to assist those affected by this tragedy.

                        Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

[Yours sincerely,]

[Lee Hsien Loong]

HE Sushil Koirala

Prime Minister

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

In response to further media queries on the earthquake in Nepal on 25 April 2015, the MFA spokesman said:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has despatched a Crisis Response Team (CRT) to Kathmandu, Nepal, to provide consular assistance to Singaporeans.  The Team took the first available SilkAir flight to Nepal this morning and has since arrived in Nepal and is based at the Kathmandu International Airport to assist Singaporeans who wish to leave Nepal.

In this regard, MFA is coordinating with MINDEF to arrange for Singaporeans to depart via the RSAF aircraft, which are scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow. The RSAF aircraft carried the Home Team and SAF contingents supporting search and rescue and other disaster relief efforts in Nepal.

MFA has contacted the majority of the registered Singaporeans in Nepal. Thus far, MFA has not received any reports of Singaporeans who have been injured.  Nonetheless, there are some Singaporeans who remain uncontactable, probably due to the disruption of the local communication network, and MFA is doing its best to contact them.

As we do not have an embassy in Kathmandu, Singaporeans in Nepal may wish to contact the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at 6379 8800 / 8855 or mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg if they require any assistance and advice.”

.   .   .   .   .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

26 APRIL 2015