The 62-member China International Search and Rescue Team, along with their rescue dogs,  arrived at Beijing International Airport on Friday after their 13-day deployment in earthquake-struck Nepal. 

The team was formed in 2001 and certified by the International Search and Advisory Group External Classification as a 'heavy urban search and rescue team.'

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The team, along with trained sniffer dogs, arrived in Nepal almost a day after the earthquake devastation.

The Nepal deployment is their 10^th international mission and also the first time the team allocated a huge number of manpower at such a short notice. They are also the first foreign team to rescue an earthquake survivor in the rubble, according to team leader Huo Shufeng.

The team spent 13 days helping out in search and rescue operations and facilitated logistics to provide easy access to the paramedics as well. They rescued two survivors buried under the rubble, administered immediate treatment to almost 2,700 victims and cleared out 430 buildings.

"The rescue of the second survivor was the most difficult since our team was established," said senior member Tao Zongpeng. He added that the overall duration of the rescue took 34 hours.

Mahesh Kumar Maskey, Nepal Ambassador to China, expressed his profound gratitude for China's unrelenting support in times of disaster.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed," said Mahesh, who emphasized that China is indeed a true friend of Nepal and shares a glimpse of hope that China will also lend a helping hand in Nepal post-earthquake rehabilitation.

Nepal's casualties have increased up to more than 7,000 people and left 17,803 injured. 403 people are still reported missing, according to Nepal's National Emergency Operations Center.

With most of the structures destroyed, it adversely affected the Nepalese people's way of living such as businesses and education. Nine out of ten schools were destroyed, leaving a million of children out of school, according to BBC.

The China team bears extensive experience on rescue operations after deployment to post-disaster areas such as Japan and Haiti. 

TagsChina International Search And Rescue Team, nepal deployment, Nepal humanitarian aid, China lends humanitarian aid to Nepal