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Remoteness, altitude and falling temperatures challenges for Nepal quake response

Remoteness, altitude and falling temperatures challenges for Nepal quake response

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A major challenge for humanitarians in Nepal supporting those impacted by last Friday’s devastating earthquake, is accessing remote and high-altitude areas that are the worst hit.

UN agencies and humanitarian partners must rely on helicopters to ferry personnel and relief supplies as there are no roads, according to Rafeeque Ahmad Siddiqui, Head of Karnali Field Office at UNDP-Nepal.

The weather is also posing challenges, he says, adding that there are limited times the helicopters can fly as high winds often pickup cutting areas off.

Mr. Siddiqui spoke with UN News’ Vibhu Mishra shortly after arriving in Jajarkot, one of the districts affected by the earthquake, and described what he was seeing. 

Audio Credit
Vibhu Mishra/UN News
Audio
6'7"
Photo Credit
© UNICEF/Laxmi Prasad Ngakhusi