US task force to support Nepal relief work

The United States Pacific Command has activated Joint Task Force 505 to support the Government of Nepal in response to the earthquake, US Department of State said Thursday.

Acting Deputy Spokesperson Jeff Rathke said, "The joint task force consists of approximately 500 personnel. Its headquarters will co-ordinate US military relief efforts working in support of the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team, which is coordinating the overall US Government response, as well as with senior representatives from the US State Department and other US agencies." USAID is focused on addressing the critical needs of shelter and medical care with the monsoon season fast approaching (Nepal) in June, he said.

US is airlifting 2,190 additional rolls of plastic sheeting to Nepal to be transported to critical districts identified by the government. This is in addition to the emergency medical supplies USAID is also in the process of airlifting that will help 40,000 people for three months. Both commodities are scheduled to arrive this weekend, he said.