Relief helicopter gives Rasuwa farmers a route to market
Summary
Flood-hit farmers in northern Rasuwa are using relief helicopter return flights to send vegetables to market after roads and bridges were washed away. The pilot programme has moved about 8,000 kilogrammes of produce from Aamachhodingmo to Bidur, but many farmers still face major losses until road access is restored.
Key Points
- The World Food Programme has used relief helicopter return trips to carry around 8,000 kilogrammes of vegetables from flood-hit Aamachhodingmo to Bidur in Nuwakot.
- Floods on August 26 washed away roads and bridges in northern Rasuwa, leaving an estimated Rs80 million worth of vegetables at risk of rotting.
- Local farmers say the arrangement has brought some income, but many still have unsold produce because helicopter capacity is limited.
- Officials say restoring road access, including a Bailey bridge at Syaphrubesi, is essential for long-term recovery.
