Australia To Airlift Its People In Nepal In Military Jets

Australia will airlift its stranded citizens in Nepal as a massive earthquake kills more than 5,000 people in the Asian country. Two huge RAAF transport jets are expected to take the Australians later on Thursday.

The magnitude-7.9 earthquake killed thousands so far. There are reports that quake survivors are clashing with police over lack of aid. People in and around Kathmandu are reportedly growing furious as there is also a risk of diseases being spread.

The failing health and safety conditions in Nepal have pushed the Australian government to airlift its citizen to safe places. The availability of commercial flights is also limited. The RAAF C-17 Globemaster aircrafts are expected to land at the international airport in the Nepal capital. The aircrafts will take surviving Australians to Bangkok. In addition, it will also bring in 15 tonnes Australian aid such as blankets, tarpaulins, health supplies and water purification tablets.

The magnitude-7.9 earthquake devastated Nepal on Saturday, April 25. Around 80 Australians have been camping out in the embassy grounds since then. Vice Admiral David Johnston, Australian Defence Force chief of joint operations, said that Kathmandu airport was congested as there were only nine parking spaces for aircrafts. It is the only international airport in the country as well. The Globemasters left the Amberley air base on Wednesday.

Johnston said that the timing of the landing would be decided upon getting access to the airport. "I'm hopeful that may be as early as Thursday but that is all about airport access," he said. Around 25 ADF personnel will stay in Nepal to support the aircraft. There will be teams of 10 people providing security and medical support. According to a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman, there are about 1000 Australians who have sought evacuation assistance so far.

According to an official from Nepal's home ministry, the official death toll has reached 5,238 by Wednesday night. In addition, there are around 10,350 have been injured. The earthquake had devastating effect on neighbouring countries like Tibet and India as well. There are more than 80 reported deaths due to the earthquake in those countries.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au