A Chinese Search and Rescue Team left for Nepal on April 26, to help with relief work in the country.

62 Chinese specialists, flying to Nepal. All of them have worked in domestic disaster zones. Many have taken part in international rescue missions.

“There’s no doubt that the team’s top priority is saving people’s lives. So far, more than a thousand people are dead, and the number will be increasing. It’s going to be a difficult task,” said Zhao Ming, search and rescue department of China Earthquake Administration.

They’re joined by 6 sniffer dogs, trained to look for people under the rubble. The team will arrive in Kathmandu at midday on April 26, along with specialist rescue and medical equipment.

Governmental officials from China’s foreign ministry, earthquake administration, and Military, as well as the Nepalese ambassador to China were at Beijing International Airport to see them off.

Nepal is famous for its hot and rainy weather — another factor for the team to consider.

“We have many here with overseas rescue experience. Medical workers must have passed UN evaluation exams. And our members must have experience of working at high attitude regions,” said Yang Jiong, medical worker of China International Search & Rescue Team.

The earthquake has caused a large number of deaths and injuries in Nepal. More efforts from the international community for the disaster relief are expected, including from China. The Chinese government has said it will closely follow the development of the earthquake, and is ready to provide more assistance to the stricken area within its capacity.