China Int'l search & rescue team leaves for Nepal

BEIJING - The 62-strong China International Search & Rescue Team left for Nepal at around 6 a.m. Sunday Beijing time to carry out humanitarian rescue following a massive 8.1-magnitude earthquake on Saturday.

With 6 sniffer dogs and relevant rescue and medical equipment, the team is expected to arrive in Katmandu midday Sunday on a chartered plane, according to the China Earthquake Administration.

Of the rescuers, 40 are from the 38th Group Army of the People's Liberation Army, Beijing Military Area Command. 20 percent of the experienced rescuers have participated in international rescue missions.

A massive 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal at 2:11 p.m. Beijing time, followed by a second 7.0-magnitude quake at 2:45 p.m..