KATHMANDU: The rescue and relief operations following the floods in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading have incurred significant costs, with helicopter operations alone estimated to exceed Rs 250 million. Preliminary data indicates that the use of private sector helicopters during the emergency response cost over Rs 150 million.
According to the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN), helicopters from 13 private companies were deployed for search, rescue, and relief distribution. Under a memorandum of understanding with the government, a minimum charter rate of 1,800 USD-approximately Rs 275,400 per hour-was established. AOAN spokesperson Muralidhar Joshi stated that private companies conducted over 1,000 flights between Aug. 26 and Sept. 11-12, totaling an average of 55 flight hours.
The Nepal Army also undertook extensive operations, recording 2,234 sorties during the rescue efforts. Army spokesperson Rajaram Basnet confirmed that seven aircraft, including Mi-17 and smaller Augusta helicopters, were utilized in the field. While the final expenditure for the army’s operations is still being calculated, initial estimates based on the Ministry of Defence’s scheduled rates suggest the cost will exceed Rs 87.8 million.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority is currently in the process of compiling the final financial data for these operations. While the exact total remains subject to further verification, the combined expenditure for both government and private helicopter deployments is certain to surpass Rs 250 million.
