I WAS saddened to read that the death toll from the earthquake in Nepal is climbing ("Nepal needs aid desperately as death toll exceeds 3,700"; yesterday).
It was horrific to see images of people running in panic as the quake struck.
People are camping outside, fearing further tremors. Rescuers were using their bare hands to dig for survivors under piles of rubble.
Food, water, warmth, shelter and medicine are needed to save those in immediate danger of death by exposure, starvation, injury or lack of clean water.
Singapore can do much to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation action plan. I am glad and proud that teams from the Singapore army, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Police Force, Red Cross and many other volunteers are going to help Nepal in its moment of crisis .
We can also gather donors to supply blankets, cooking equipment and other supplies.
Singapore and Nepal have very strong diplomatic ties. There has been a Gurkha contingent in the police force since 1949.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew admired and trusted the Gurkhas, and they have made their mark in our history for their part in neutralising riots in the early days of independence.
To pay them back for their bravery and loyalty, let us do our little bit to help and assist the people of Nepal in their rescue and rebuilding efforts.
V. Balu
