The government said Tuesday it is sending 110 Self-Defense Forces troops to Nepal to carry out medical work as part of a multifaceted aid effort to the nation struck by a devastating earthquake on Saturday.

An initial party of around 20 personnel was due to leave Japan for Kathmandu late on Tuesday evening.

Other specialists already dispatched include around 70 personnel from the National Police Agency and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, who tried but failed to reach Kathmandu Monday.