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RCAF deploys DART unit to Nepal to help with disaster efforts

Trenton, Ont. - An assessment team and elements of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) deployed from 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, Sunday. The Canadian Armed Forces is currently pre-positioning its personnel and resources in order to ensure a prompt reaction, in line with Government of Canada direction, to assist in the aftermath of an earthquake in Nepal.


April 29, 2015  By RCAF

“In support of Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development and in cooperation with our other government department partners, we are moving swiftly to assist Nepal in this time of need,” said Minister of National Defence Jason Kenney. “Canada has consistently demonstrated strong support for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations at home and throughout the world.”

A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster III and its aircrew is transporting the assessment team as well as relief supplies, medical personnel and firefighters as part of the Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) team. The assessment team will assist the Interdepartmental Strategic Support Team (ISST) in performing its needs assessment and the other personnel will provide initial support and medical assistance once they arrive in Nepal.

The Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is one component of Canada’s toolkit to respond to natural disasters abroad. It is a military organization ready to deploy quickly to conduct emergency relief operations.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Nepal in the aftermath of this terrible earthquake,” said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Our personnel are currently prepositioning to assess the needs of the affected population and the most efficient way to provide emergency relief. The Department of National Defence and the [Canadian Armed Forces] stand ready to help save lives, maintain a stable environment, and assist in reconstruction where it is needed.”

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On April 25, the Government of Canada announced it will support experienced humanitarian organizations with $5 million to provide life-saving assistance to meet the urgent needs of people affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Canada is also a contributor to international rapid response mechanisms that ensure partner organizations are able to act immediately at the onset of a crisis.

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