RAF Chinooks ‘not wanted’ for Nepal aid effort

THREE RAF Chinook helicopters deployed to help with the rescue effort in Nepal following last month’s devastating earthquake are being returned home without even reaching the Himalayan country.

The military helicopters were sent to provide aid for the stricken nation after it was hit on April 25 by its worst earthquake for more than 80 years.

More than 8,000 people were killed and thousands more were left homeless and without food, water and shelter, prompting a worldwide outpouring of aid.

But the three British Chinooks, from 27 Squadron based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, will return to the UK without even making it to Nepal after the government there turned them down.

It is thought Nepal has been overwhelmed by offers of aid and that its limited facilities are struggling to manage.