Helicopter Shortage and Missing Persons Complicate Nepal Disaster Response

Five days after the floods, Nepal's disaster management agencies are still grappling with a severe shortage of helicopters, limiting their ability to reach remote, landslide‑blocked areas. Rajan Bhattaarai highlighted that many injured people are stranded in high‑altitude zones where ground access is impossible.

The lack of aerial assets hampers rescue missions, body recovery, and the delivery of essential supplies. Simultaneously, thousands of individuals remain unaccounted for, with families uncertain of their whereabouts.

Bhattaarai warned that the ongoing crisis has left many without food, water, and shelter, forcing them to endure harsh weather conditions under the open sky. He called for intensified search operations and greater international cooperation to locate the missing and provide life‑saving assistance.