IAF sorties to assess damage in Nepal after fresh quake

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force on Tuesday carried out 55 sorties to assess damage following fresh quakes in Nepal and evacuated over 100 people.

According to an IAF spokesperson, 55 sorties were taken and 99 people were evacuated as well as 21 casualties.

The Indian Army meanwhile continued providing aid to affected population and areas in close coordination and cooperation with the Nepal Army.

Advanced Ligh Helicopterss were employed for rescue efforts in Pokhara and adjoining areas in spite of weather and terrain limitations and have conducted 30 sorties, evacuating two people.

Army and IAF helicopters combined have moved over 56.69 tons of relief stores in the last three days alone.

At least 57 people were killed and over 1,000 others injured when a massive earthquake and 14 aftershocks shook Nepal on Tuesday causing panic in the Himalayan nation which is still recovering from the devastating April 25 temblor.

Cracked buildings collapsed in a heap of debris and landslides cut off roads as an earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale hit Nepal, with its epicentre not far from Mount Everest -- the world`s highest peak at 8,850 metres.

Six strong aftershocks followed in quick succession. Four of the aftershocks had their epicentre at Kodari on the Nepal-China border, northeast of Kathmandu, and the strongest aftershock measured 6.3 on the Richter scale.