DART team returns from Nepal earthquake mission

Canada'sDisaster Assistance Response Team has returned home fromNepal after two devastating earthquakes earlier this spring resulted in the deaths of nearly 9,000 people.

• Nepal rescuers recover dozens of bodies buried in earthquake, avalanche

DART's mandateis to set up emergency relief operations for up to 40 days until longer-term aid organizations can take over.

"I wasn't exactly sure what to expect," Lieutenant-CommanderKelly Williamson, a senior public affairs officer with DART, told CBC's Ottawa Morningafter returningto Canada.

Although she had prepared to see the worst, Williamson said she was most struck by the Nepalese response to the natural disaster.

"Yes, things were very devastated. Villages were destroyed up to 80, 90 per cent.But the people have a resilience, and despite the earthquake they were out there trying to salvage whatever material they could to begin rebuilding," she said. "So from that perspective, it was inspirational."

Bodies of 53 victims continue to be recovered over the weekend

DART's first assignment upon deployment was to establish an operating base about 70 kilometres east of Kathmandu, said Williamson.

"Our prioritywas to keep the Friendship Highway inSindhupalchokDistrictopen soNGOscould follow behind us and bring humanitarian support," she said.

The recovery continues in Nepal over the weekend, Nepali soldiers and police recovered the bodies of 53 trekkers and villagers buried in avalanches set off by the earthquakes.

The 7.8 magnitudeearthquakeon April 25 was followed by asecond one on May 12 with a magnitude of 7.3. That onetemporarily cut off one the DARTteams from its base.

DART providedfield and construction engineers, and medical assistance, such asfirst aid, laboratory, pharmacy,rehydration, preventive medicine and limited obstetrics services. Team members came from various military units across the country, Williamson said.

DART headquarters alsoprovidedcommand and control,linking with other Canadian government departments, the government of Nepal and international humanitarian groups.