A group of Italian nationals is expected to arrive this afternoon from Nepal on a military flight arranged by the Farnesina Crisis Unit and the Interforces Operational Command. The flight will also be carrying over 30 EU citizens whose transport was arranged within the context of collaboration with the Crisis Units of various other nations intervening in Nepal.
Thanks to the help of a helicopter, Farnesina staff were able to evacuate 4 Italian nationals and a Spaniard to Kathmandu from an impervious high mountain area. The same helicopter assisted in the recovery of the bodies of Oskar Piazza and Gigliola Mancinelli and their transfer to Kathmandu. Logistical difficulties continue to hinder the search for another two Italian nationals who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Another 7 Italians were able to make it to the Nepalese capital and are now being assisted in their return to Italy by Crisis Unit officials, the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Calcutta. Efforts continue to bring the last remaining Italian nationals to safety in Kathmandu, who intend to return to Italy.
The number of Italians the Crisis Unit staff are still attempting to account for is now down to two.
