US concludes relief and rescue operations in Nepal

Kathmandu: The US has ended its massiverelief and rescue operations in the quake-hit Nepal as the country gears up for the long-term recovery and reconstruction process.

The government of Nepal announced their transition from relief operations to the recovery phase of disaster response on Tuesday, according to the US embassy in Kathmandu.

"The joint relief missions conducted by the US and Nepalese militaries brought life-saving aid to those who needed it most and reinforced the United States' close partnership with Nepal and its people," said Peter Bodde, US ambassador to Nepal.

"There has been a decreasing demand for unique JTF 505 capabilities in further recovery efforts here in Nepal," said.

Lt Gen John Wissler, commander of JTF 505. "We will continue to work closely with our Nepalese partners and USAID to ensure we meet the needs that may emerge during the coordinated transition and retrograde of our military capabilities as long as we remain in Nepal," he added.

The US has provided USD 47 million in humanitarian assistance and about 114 tons of emergency relief supplies for earthquake relief efforts.

Approximately 900 US military and civilian personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps contributed to the Nepal relief efforts under the auspices of JTF 505.

At least 8,622 people were killed and 756,000 houses and other buildings damaged after powerful earthquakes jolted Nepal on April 25 and May 12.