FOREIGN Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson, International Development Minister Christian Paradis and Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) Lynne Yelich on Tuesday, on behalf of all Canadians, offered their sincere condolences to the people of Nepal who have lost loved ones in Tuesday’s earthquake.
They said in a statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this difficult situation, including members of the international community currently providing assistance in the country. Since the first earthquake last month, Canada has responded quickly to bring immediate relief to those who need it the most in Nepal.
“Canadian officials in the region are working with Nepalese officials to ensure that all Canadians affected by this most recent major earthquake are safe and accounted for. So far, we have received no reports of Canadians injured or deceased as a result of [Tuesday’s] earthquake. Additional consular support is available at the Consulate of Canada in Kathmandu. Meanwhile, officials in the Emergency Watch and Response Centre are using available means to reach out to Canadians in the affected region.
“Elements of Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)—already deployed to Nepal in response to the April 25 earthquake—continue to provide medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as support to government officials and international humanitarian partners.
“Canada has so far allocated $10 million to respond to the humanitarian needs of people in Nepal affected by the earthquakes. Canada will continue to assess the situation and determine what additional assistance might be required.
“Canadians have also shown their solidarity with the Nepalese people through their contributions to the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. For every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities in response to the Nepal earthquakes between April 25 and May 25, 2015, the government will set aside one dollar for the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. Canada will use these funds to support the efforts of experienced Canadian and international humanitarian organizations responding to the crisis in Nepal.
“We urge all Canadian citizens in the affected region who require emergency consular assistance to contact the Consulate of Canada in Kathmandu at +977 (1) 444 1976, the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi at +91 11 4178 2000 or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s (DFATD’s) 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1 613 996 8885 (collect calls are accepted). An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.
“Friends and relatives in Canada who are concerned about Canadian citizens known to be in the affected area should contact DFATD’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free) or 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted) or sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.”
