British aid worker clarifies he was not rescued in Nepal floods

Alastair Chambers, a British aid worker from Gloucester, told the Press Association that Nepalese authorities incorrectly announced his rescue after he returned to Kathmandu in a humanitarian helicopter. Police at the army barracks took his details and presumed he was among the 119 people rescued, a claim that led to about 15 media outlets contacting him. Chambers clarified he had not been rescued and described the dangerous flood-hit terrain his team navigated, noting trips that normally take one and a half hours now required eight or nine.

He recounted helping locate bodies and distribute supplies, and said he intends to return to the UK to fundraise for the devastated village before heading back with additional aid. The story coincides with upcoming visits by UK officials, including Baroness Winterton, to discuss Nepal’s recovery efforts.