MDA rescue team heads to Nepal
MDA rescue team heads to NepalMagen David Adom

An IDF delegation has left for Nepal early Sunday morning, after a devastating earthquake Saturday is now estimated to have killed 1,900 people. 

The IDF rescue team includes six medical experts, the Spokesperson's Office announced, as well as a rescue team from the Home Front Command, a team from the IDF Medical Corps, and a representative from the Foreign Ministry. 

"The purpose of the delegation is to examine the level of assistance needed in the area, an analysis of the surface area and scale of the disaster, and adjusting the State of Israel's response via the IDF as needed," a spokesman told Arutz Sheva. "The disaster is complex and difficult in the present case, where there is extensive damage to life and property, and sending a team of this type is in accordance to protocol." 

"The IDF will help on behalf of the State of Israel in any disaster around the world where it's needed," he stressed. 

At least 250 Israelis are stranded in the affected area and have not been able to contact their families, the Foreign Ministry said early Sunday, and an operations rooms has been set up in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue attempts to establish contact with them. 

Foreign Ministry Director Nissim Ben Shitrit confirmed to Army Radio that some progress has been made: 150 Israelis have been located safely at the Israeli Embassy at Kathmandu. In total, about 450 people have been located so far, he added. 

Both United Hatzalah and Magen David Adom (MDA) are due to send delegations to Nepal as well later Sunday. 

Eli Beer, leader of United Hatzalah, added that the organization "will set up a field clinic to grant medical assistance" at the scene and that they are "ready to treat many victims for fractures, dehydration, and infection." 

The quake, which ranked 7.8 on the Richter scale, is Nepal's worst in 81 years. Some 4,700 people have reportedly been injured. 

As of 10:40 am (IST) Sunday morning, aftershocks rated at 6.7 on the Richter scale radiated throughout Kathmandu.