WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The United States announced $31 million in additional aid Tuesday to help Nepal recover from the deadly Aug. 26 floods, bringing total U.S. assistance to more than $36 million.
The floods struck Nepal’s northern border region after a rock and ice collapse triggered a torrent of water, mud and debris. Nepalese authorities reported more than 1,400 deaths and more than 6,000 people missing in mid-September.
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker announced the funding after meeting Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Hooker also expressed condolences to affected families, including those of approximately 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for.
The State Department plans to work with Congress to provide $10 million for permanent bridges built by a U.S. company. The bridges would restore transportation routes damaged by the floods.
Another $8 million will fund water and sanitation services, shelter, livelihood assistance, protection programs and winter supplies. The department also plans to provide $13 million in U.S.-made drones for disaster recovery operations.
The United States initially sent a disaster-response adviser and committed $500,000 in emergency assistance. It later expanded its response to include food, medical supplies, recovery equipment and forensic support for identifying victims.
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, a New York Democrat whose district includes Nepali and Tibetan communities, had urged administration officials to increase the response. Meng said the new commitment marked an improvement but remained below the level of assistance affected communities need.
The State Department said it will continue working with Nepal’s government to identify additional recovery needs.
