CHITRAL, April 3: Pakistan Army helicopters had to suspend relief operations in the avalanche-hit areas on Tuesday for want of fuel.

The provincial government sent two C-130 planes loaded with tents, blankets and food items to Chitral for the people affected by avalanche in Washich, Momi and Garam Chashma areas.

These items had to be sent to other villages by two army helicopters. After arrival in Chitral on Monday, the helicopters were able to make four sorties on the first day and only one on Tuesday because of fuel shortage.

The relief goods could not be delivered to the victims and the helicopters were grounded in the Chitral Airport.

However, the helicopter of the Focus Humanitarian Assistance, Pakistan, continued its sorties but due to small capacity it could not carry the relief goods in large quantity.

The Aga Khan Development Network offered fuel to the helicopters but the army turned down the request and demanded a certificate from the AKDN authorities regarding the purity of fuel.