RAF airlifts supplies to Lake District communities cut off for five days

LONDON, March 5 (Xinhua) -- An RAF helicopter was used Tuesday to deliver essential supplies to a part of England's Lake District where communities have been cut off from the outside world for five days.

With deep snow brought in by Storm Emma blocking all roads into the Fellside and South Stainmore areas of Cumbria likely to remain for another 48 hours, the military were drafted in to help.

The Chinook helicopter has been airlifting supplies, including food, coal and logs for heating and electrical heating appliances as the operation which started

Council leader in Cumbria, Stewart Young, said: "The depth of snow and the challenging nature of the terrain is making progress on clearing roads exceptionally slow.

"As a result it is estimated that it will be at least 48 hours before we reach many more of these communities hence the need to bring in military assistance and we are very grateful for their help."

Over the weekend troops were dispatched to help communities in Scotland where heavy snow storms caused severe problems. Essential workers were ferried to hospitals and care homes by the army. Enditem