The Dutch contribution to NATO Disaster Relief Team Pakistan
The Pakistani government had also put out a general request for assistance to the international community. In response, the Netherlands sent an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team on 10 October 2005 which helped search for victims in the days following the earthquake.
The USAR team included personnel from the Defence organisation. The Dutch contribution to the NATO aid operation consisted of the Field Dressing Station of the Second Marine Battalion and a marine platoon. The units deployed from Afghanistan to the Bagh district in the north-east of Pakistan and were operational on 8 November 2005.
On 26 November, the mission was taken over by 422 Hospital Company of the Royal Netherlands Army. A reconnaissance platoon from 42 Tank Battalion provided security. During the course of January 2006, it became clear that the Pakistani authorities did not wish to extend the mandate, and the need for emergency assistance was becoming less. The mission was brought to an end.
By then, 1 (NLD) Military Emergency Hospital Pakistan had treated 4.890 outpatients, delivered 11 babies and admitted 286 people, 159 of whom required surgery. In the outlying areas, mobile medical teams had treated another 3.424 people.
Updated: 30 May 2011