Canada sending DART to earthquake-ravaged Nepal

A Canadian forces pilot for a CC-17 Globemaster checks the airplane prior to loading at CFB Trenton in Trenton, Ont., Sunday April 26, 2015. (Lars Hagberg / THE CANADIAN PRSS)

OTTAWA -- Members of Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team will be deployed immediately to earthquake-stricken Nepal, federal officials announced on Saturday.

DART members from Canadian Forces Base Trenton will be heading to Nepal, along with civilian political and humanitarian personnel from Foreign Affairs.

Nepal police say the death toll from last week's magnitude-7.8 earthquake has climbed to 6,841, as more reports come in from remote areas and rescue workers dig out more bodies from under the rubble.

More than 14,000 people have been reported injured.

"The loss of life and the destruction of civilian homes and communities have been overwhelming," Chris Alexander, citizenship and immigration minister, said Saturday.

"Today's announcement of the immediate deployment of additional DART elements to the affected region is evidence of Canada's ongoing support and dedication to the relief effort," Alexander said.

The day after the earthquake, Canada deployed the Interdepartmental Strategic Support Team, followed by DART members to assess the situation in Nepal.

On Friday, the assessment team delivered its recommendations and called for additional elements of DART to support the relief efforts.

Officials say the elements of DART will be deployed in a phased approach, adjusting capabilities and personnel based on needs on the ground.

DART will be capable of providing field and construction engineers, and medical assistance that could include first aid, laboratory, pharmacy, rehydration, preventive medicine and limited obstetrics services.

DART headquarters will be providing command and control, and linking with other Canadian government departments, the government of Nepal and international humanitarian groups.

"The deployment of DART will allow Canada to continue to work with our partners to provide assistance to Canadians and the people of Nepal," said Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson.