SINGAPORE, April 26 — The Singapore Civil Defence Force will be sending a 55-man search-and-rescue contingent to aid Nepal in its post-disaster operations, following a devastating earthquake that has claimed more than 1,000 lives.

The Singapore Police Force will also send a contingent of officers to help with disaster relief efforts, including officers from its Gurkha Contingent, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement last night.

“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,” added the MFA.

To support Nepal’s disaster relief efforts, the Government will also contribute S$100,000 (RM268,000) as seed money to kick-start the Singapore Red Cross appeal for donations, said the ministry.

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

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said: “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.”

As of 9.30pm last night, there have not been any reports of Singaporeans injured, said the MFA, adding that it had immediately contacted the registered Singaporeans in Nepal upon learning about the earthquake.

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. They may also contact the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at 6379 8800 / 8855 ormfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg. — Today