US military plane departs for Nepal with disaster aid teams and supplies

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/26/us-military-plane-nepal-earthquake-aid

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Related: Nepal earthquake: thousands demand shelter in country little able to cope

The Pentagon said on Sunday a US military plane had departed from the Dover air force base in Delaware bound for earthquake-stricken Nepal.

Onboard were 70 personnel, including a US Agency for International Development disaster assistance response team, a Virginia-based search and rescue team and 45 tons of cargo to provide assistance to areas hit by Saturday’s massive quake that left more than 2,500 dead.

The Pentagon said the flight was expected to arrive in Kathmandu on Monday. More than two dozen Defense Department personnel and a transport plane are currently in Nepal on a training exercise. All personnel are accounted for.

The 7.8 magnitude tremor was felt in neighboring countries. Unicef staff have reported dwindling water supplies, power shortages and communications breakdowns in the stricken areas.