Severe access constraints continue to hamper the delivery of aid in many affected areas. A strategy has been established to reach people living in the most remote locations. Using anywhere up to 20,000 porters managed by the Trekking Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), a common logistics supply chain is being established under the lead of WFP to reach approximately 45,000 people living in villages located above the altitude of road access. These skilled personnel will carry up to 30kg per person at a time in order to reach all affected communities. In some areas pack animals may be used to supplement this capacity, however many trails will not support mules or yaks.
The porters and mountaineers leading the interagency response will be augmented by five Mi8 cargo helicopters in unison with three smaller AS 350 helicopters up to an altitude of 3,500 meters. Cargo will be delivered to landing zones (LZ) at forward locations for onward movement. Mountainous areas without suitable LZs can also be served by sling load.
To reach the most remote communities based above cargo helicopter access, experienced mountaineers and porter teams will be used to deliver to villages or in some cases communicate to people in need of assistance to collect from the distribution point. This should not require villagers to travel more than a day to receive assistance. Approximately 5,000 people in high mountainous areas will be assisted.