Rescue operation almost over, rehabilitation to start in Nepal

Displaced earthquake victims line up during a food and distribution at an open ground, in Kathmandu, Nepal May 4, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW DELHI -- Nepalese ambassador to India has emphasized that his country is now moving into the phase of rehabilitation after nearly completing search and rescue operation, local media reported Tuesday.

Nepal Ambassador Deep Kumar Upadhyay said Nepal police and other local organizations had expertise to handle the situation but lacked equipment, according to Press Trust of India.

He called on the media to take the situation very positively, saying that rescue work in Nepal was about to be completed.

"This (rescue) is the first phase. Now we have to clear all the debris also. Kathmandu is a monumental city...Nepal army is coordinating all these things. They are the experts and if they need any kind of equipment, personnel, they will make their request and government will do accordingly," he said.

Nepal's decision asking foreign rescue workers to leave had led to speculation that it was directed at India, according to local media.

But the envoy denied such speculation. "Not at all. Please be positive," he was quoted as saying.

"It (rescue operation) is almost ending and that is why the government of Nepal has decided that all friends who have come should prepare to leave now," he said.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson in the External Affairs Minister Vikas Swarup said "relief operations will continue in full swing. Nepal government has asked for earth-moving equipment to assist in clearing debris."