Although MAF has never operated from a permanent base in Nepal, we organised flights for more than 8,000 passengers following the massive earthquakes which devastated the country in April 2015.

During your brief visit to this beautiful, landlocked country, you will get a snapshot of how MAF began as an emergency responder but continued serving its people for many months as they began their long road to recovery.

This example is one of many — showing how MAF is recognised as a global leader in disaster response, renowned for its efficiency and expertise when helping nations to recover from earthquakes, famine, flooding and war.

While you soak in the beautiful scenery, encounter inspiring mountain communities and gaze at the breath-taking Himalayas, we hope you get a taste of MAF’s urgency to be there as soon as disaster strikes.

When disaster strikes

On 25 April 2015, a devastating, 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit a mountainous region just north of Kathmandu – followed by another of 7.3 less than 3 weeks later. Mountainsides gave way and entire villages were flattened. It is estimated that around 9,000 people died and many more lost everything they owned 

Relief agencies began to arrive, but as roads had disappeared, they could not reach remote communities who were cut off from outside help.

Immediately, MAF deployed staff from its Global Disaster Response Team, who worked with a local helicopter operator to initiate an aerial survey. Urgent needs were identified in high-altitude communities unreachable by vehicles. In the absence of airstrips in impacted locations, helicopters were the only option.

In partnership with local and international organisations, MAF led a life-saving response mission in Nepal. We helped organisations such as the UN and Samaritan’s Purse to deliver cargo, medical assistance, clean water and relief workers in the aftermath of this great tragedy.

Months after the earthquake, MAF remained in Nepal to help villages start to rise from their ruins. Thousands of metres of piping was delivered to enable fresh water to flow again. Corrugated iron roofs are back over families’ heads. Schools have been rebuilt to prevent children wandering into the fatal hands of traffickers.

Through the use of helicopters, week-long journeys were made possible in 45 minutes thanks to MAF. More than 6,000 tonnes of aid was delivered to 177 communities that would not have received access to essential services any other way.

‘With the presence of MAF here, the goals that we’ve had are being accelerated through the great resources made available through MAF’s flight operations. Through our beautiful partnership, we can bring hope to people who have had no hope.’

 – Jack Reid, Mountain Child, Nepal

Health professionals trained 400 local leaders across 18 regions in emergency preparedness, basic first aid and psychological support to address the ongoing anxiety and fear that remain a constant part of everyday life. In addition, more than 4,300 medical consultations brought quality medical care to communities without a clinic.

‘Aid groups were in Kathmandu wanting to help, but there was no way to get to those remote communities. That’s when MAF was able to step in and, with God’s help, provide a solution.’
– John Woodberry, Director of MAF Global Disaster Response

‘Using helicopters to reach the people in Langtang Valley at a small fraction of the true cost is critical for us, and we are very grateful to MAF for making our relief and rebuilding ministry possible.’
– Johannes, Operation Mobilisation

‘Thank you for helicopters bringing food, blankets, clothes and materials so that some of us can continue here through the winters.’
– Karma Lama, Langtang Valley

–  for the ongoing rebuilding efforts across Nepal’s mountain regions

–  for protection and recovery following the coronavirus pandemic, which has deeply affected the Nepalese people and economy