Kathmandu, September 18

The government of Japan has announced $1 million contribution to the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in Nepal that is managed by the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

The funds will help allow helicopters to continue flying vital supplies to remote earthquake-affected communities in mountainous regions of the country.

This generous contribution from Japan will serve more than 146,000 people in isolated areas till the end of October.

“Shelter materials and food will be delivered by helicopters to inaccessible communities so that villagers can prepare for the onset of winter,” the statement issued by the Japanese Embassy in Nepal quoted Pippa Bradford, WFP Nepal country director, as saying in the grant signing ceremony organised here today.

Japan has been a major contributor to the international relief effort that followed the April 25 earthquake. “We acted very fast, and we remain committed to supporting humanitarian efforts on behalf of those Nepalis hit hardest by the disaster,” the statement quoted Masashi Ogawa, ambassador of Japan to Nepal, as saying.

Since April 29, UNHAS has delivered urgently needed relief to remote communities on behalf of 156 humanitarian agencies.

To date, its helicopters have moved more than 3,012 humanitarian workers and 1,812 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to mountainous regions.

So far, Japan has already donated $3 million to WFP Nepal for its emergency operation following the earthquake.