Just when delivering earthquake relief to remote villages is needed more than ever, the World Food Programme (WFP) has run out of money for its helicopter flights.
The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) coordinated by the WFP carried out 4,784 sorties in the last eight months, transporting 876 tons of food and 1,763 tons of supplies to remote mountain villages. But the UNHAS is terminating its service on 31 December, meaning that the lifeline for most earthquake shelters in remote areas will be cut.
The WFP’s earthquake emergency operation will also end in January 2016, but it is preparing for the follow up operation which will focus on longer-term support to communities in repairing infrastructure, promoting the restoration of livelihoods and enhancing resilience to future shocks.
"We will work alongside the newly-established National Reconstruction Authority in seven of the most affected districts," said Francesca Caponera, Deputy Country Director of the WFP Nepal.
On Tuesday, the European Union announced Rs 340 million for the WFP to deliver shelter and emergency relief to mountain communities, but this money is not for helicopter charters. "The EU assistance through WFP’s Remote Access Operation ensures the delivery of food and other humanitarian supplies to the most remote and earthquake-affected parts of the country,” said Rensje Teerink, EU Ambassador to Nepal.