Nepal quake: China, US, Britain to send more choppers

Kathmandu: Nepal has requested China,the US and Britain to send more helicopters for assistance in the relief and rescue operations in the earthquake-hit country, an official said on Saturday.

The Himalayan nation was jolted by a massive earthquake on April 25, measuring 7.9 on Richter Scale, which has killed over 6,600, injured more than 16,500 and left millions displaced.

A senior Nepal government official told IANS that China, US and Britain has been requested to send more helicopters to handle the situation, the nation is dealing with, after the quake.

The official said that China will be providing three helicopters.

Besides, Britain is sending two and the US will provide one helicopter to assist the rescue operations along with the distribution of relief materials, the official added.

Eight helicopters of Nepal Army and 12 Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers are providing relief materials in several quake-hit areas, said Nepal Army.

Of the 12 IAF choppers, six MI-17s are based in Kathmandu and distributing relief materials and conducting rescue bid in central Nepal.

Two Mi-17 and four advanced light Dhruv helicopters are based in Pokhara.

Seven private helicopters are also being used in the rescue and relief operations.