Search for Missing Indonesians in Nepal Hampered by Chopper Rental

Kathmandu (Antara Bali) - The inability to rent a helicopter has hampered the search for three Indonesians who went missing in the Langtang area in the Himalayas after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck the country, according to an Indonesian official.

Indonesian safety and evacuation team spokesman Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Indan Gilang said at Tribhuvan airport here on Saturday that the search on Friday was hampered by the problem of renting a helicopter.

"Because of the emergency situation, all means of air transport operations were taken over by the government of Nepal and attempts to use private operators also has to go through the local government," Gilang remarked.

He noted that on Friday morning an Indonesian safety and evacuation team attempted to rent a private helicopter to search the areas of Langtang, Dhunce and Kyanjin Gompa in the Himalayas for the three Indonesian men, but were unable to do so.

Because of that, Gilang said Indonesian Ambassador to Nepal and Bangladesh Iwan Wiranata-Atmadja has communicated with the Nepali air force chief of staff to seek assistance.

Based on information provided by tour operator Himalayan Experience, three Indonesian citizens, identified as Alma, Kadek, and Jeroen, joined the group on April 22 and were known to have stayed at Hotel Lama. Based upon their itinerary, they should have been in Kianjinggompa when the earthquake struck on April 25.

"Since they lost contact, efforts have been undertaken by the operator to find them, and so we are now intensifying the search," Gilang emphasized.

As part of the rescue operation, Gilang and his team have targeted the Kyanjin Gompa, Langtang, and Dhunce areas, which are in proximity to where the Indonesian citizens were believed to have gone missing.

The three locations are in the Himalayas. Kyanjin Gompa is located some four thousand meters above sea level in the Langtang National Park, while Dhunce is a lower area closer to Kathmandu, which is accessible by car in 7 to 8 hours, as well as on foot. (WDY)