Singapore sends $560,000 in humanitarian aid to Nepal: 'We stand in solidarity'新加坡向尼泊尔提供56万美元人道主义援助：“我们与尼泊尔站在一起”
A humanitarian package worth around $560,000 has been handed over to Nepal, said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang on Friday (Sept 4).The package consists emergency response supplies such as medical supplies, DNA test kits and personal protective equipment, MOS Gan shared. Specialised equipment that can assist in the ongoing efforts is also included.It was put together...
A humanitarian package worth around $560,000 has been handed over to Nepal, said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang on Friday (Sept 4).
The package consists emergency response supplies such as medical supplies, DNA test kits and personal protective equipment, MOS Gan shared. Specialised equipment that can assist in the ongoing efforts is also included.
It was put together through close collaboration with several Singapore agencies and Nepali authorities to aid in ongoing search and recover efforts, she said.
This is on top of the police's deployment of officers , who are trained in disaster victim identification and aerial surveillance, to Nepal.
The Singapore government has also contributed US$100,000 (S$127,000) in seed money to the Singapore Red Cross.
Public fundraising for the Singapore Red Cross has since crossed the $3 million mark, Gan said.
"We are heartened by the generosity and compassion of Singaporeans in supporting the Nepali people during this difficult time."
She added: "We stand ready to provide further support in accordance with Nepal's needs."
Nine Singaporeans still missing
On Aug 26, devastating flash floods struck the border between Nepal and China, leaving massive destruction and death in its wake.
As of Thursday, the death toll has risen to 1,280 with over 5,600 still missing, Al Jazeera reported.
"I convey our sincere condolences to the government and people of Nepal for the tragic loss of lives and the massive destruction caused by the floods," Gan said on Friday.
"Even as we speak, search and rescue teams in the affected areas are still searching for those who are missing and remain unaccounted for, and this includes nine Singaporeans."
She shared that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MFA) crisis response team has been on the ground in Nepal since Aug 27 and it has been working closely with local authorities to find these missing Singaporeans .
MFA has also maintained close contact with the families, providing updates and assistance on the ground in Nepal.
"We will continue to render the necessary assistance as we work with all the relevant parties and families during this very difficult period," Gan said.
She also thanked Nepal's authorities for their "unwavering support" amid the crisis.
"We have seen the tremendous efforts taken by the government of Nepal under extremely challenging conditions to search for survivors and support those whose lives have been affected.
"Singapore stands in solidarity with Nepal during this difficult period."
khooyihang@asiaone.com
外交部政务部长颜晓煌周五（9月4日）表示，已向尼泊尔移交价值约56万美元的人道主义援助物资。
甘部长表示，该物资包包含紧急救援物资，例如医疗用品、DNA检测试剂盒和个人防护装备，以及可用于协助当前救援工作的专用设备。
她说，该组织是在与新加坡多个机构和尼泊尔当局密切合作下成立的，旨在协助正在进行的搜寻和打捞工作。
此外，警方还向尼泊尔部署了受过灾难受害者识别和空中监视训练的警员。
新加坡政府也向新加坡红十字会提供了 10 万美元（12.7 万新元）的启动资金。
颜先生表示，新加坡红十字会的公众筹款额已超过300万美元。
“新加坡人民在这个艰难时期展现出的慷慨和同情心令我们深受感动。”
她补充说：“我们随时准备根据尼泊尔的需求提供进一步的支持。”
仍有九名新加坡人失踪
8月26日，尼泊尔和中国边境遭遇毁灭性山洪，造成大规模破坏和人员伤亡。
据半岛电视台报道，截至周四，死亡人数已上升至 1280 人，另有 5600 多人失踪。
“对于洪水造成的生命损失和巨大破坏，我谨向尼泊尔政府和人民表示诚挚的慰问，”甘在周五表示。
“就在我们说话的此刻，受灾地区的搜救队仍在搜寻失踪人员，其中包括九名新加坡人。”
她表示，外交部危机应对小组自 8 月 27 日以来一直在尼泊尔开展工作，并与当地政府密切合作，寻找这些失踪的新加坡人。
外交部还与这些家庭保持密切联系，向他们提供最新情况和在尼泊尔的实地援助。
“我们将继续与所有相关各方和家庭合作，在这个非常艰难的时期提供必要的援助，”甘说。
她还感谢尼泊尔当局在危机期间给予的“坚定不移的支持”。
“我们看到尼泊尔政府在极其艰难的条件下做出了巨大的努力，寻找幸存者并支持那些生活受到影响的人们。
“新加坡在这个艰难时期与尼泊尔站在一起。”
khooyihang@asiaone.com