JCB sends more machines to Nepal after second earthquake

Earthmovers clear debris from the site of a building that collapsed in an earthquake in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, May 12, 2015. A major earthquake has hit Nepal near the Chinese border between the capital of Kathmandu and Mount Everest less than three weeks after the country was devastated by a quake. (AP Photo/Ranup Shrestha) ... Nepal Earthquake ... 12-05-2015 ... Kathmandu ... Nepal ... Photo credit should read: Ranup Shrestha/Unique Reference No. 22983026 ...
Earthmovers clear debris from the site of a building that collapsed  Photo credit: Ranup Shrestha

JCB has stepped up its support for earthquake-stricken Nepal with the despatch of more machines to help the country with its clear-up operations. 

The news of the $250,000 equipment donation comes after a second earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck the country, killing dozens of people and injuring more than 1,000. 

The first earthquake killed more than 8,000 people and left thousands more homeless. JCB responded by donating $1 million worth of equipment including a fleet of backhoe loaders and electrical generators.

The company has now donated an additional four machines, including compact skid steer loaders, to respond to the current needs in the region. Also included in the donation are a pick-and-carry crane and a Loadall telescopic handler which can lift and load debris in areas devastated by the quakes. 

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said, “As the days have gone by our Nepalese dealer has advised of the need for small and manoeuvrable machines which can access confined areas and machines which can lift and place heavy loads.  JCB is happy to respond with the donation of an additional four machines, particularly as the country has now suffered a second earthquake.”

JCB is supplying the machines through its dealer, MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd, in Nepal.