Helicopters May Stop Flying Earlier Than Planned

The United Nations office in Nepal says that helicopter relief services for areas in areas hit by recent earthquakes may be cut short due to a funding shortfall.

The Indian website daijiworld.com reports that in a statement released to the press Monday, the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) said it needs the additional funding to continue relief efforts through October. "To date, only $8.8 million was received, leaving a $9.2 million shortfall. If the gap is not met soon, deliveries will cease at the end of August," the UN office said.

"Airlift support is crucial for the ongoing relief operation. Without it, humanitarian partners will not be able to continue providing vital assistance to communities in far-flung areas, most of which were severely affected by the earthquakes," said Jamie McGoldrick, Humanitarian Coordinator in Nepal, in the statement.

A 7.9 magnitude quake rocked Nepal on April 25. Relief efforts began on April 29, and since that time, the UNHAS allowed for moving more than 2,600 humanitarian workers and 1,457 metric tons of humanitarian supplies to remote areas.

(UN Map)

FMI: www.wfp.org/logistics/aviation/unhas-current-operations