Kathmandu, Sep 23: The United States has announced an additional USD 31 million in assistance for Nepal’s flood response and recovery efforts, with the package covering infrastructure restoration, humanitarian needs and future disaster preparedness.
The announcement was made by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker after her meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.
The latest funding will include USD 10 million for permanent, custom-built bridges aimed at restoring critical transportation infrastructure in flood-affected areas and strengthening regional connectivity. According to the US Department of State, the bridges are being sourced from an American company.
Another USD 8 million will be provided for water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterisation support for affected communities.
The US will also provide USD 13 million worth of US-made drones to strengthen future disaster recovery efforts and improve preparedness for similar emergencies.
Hooker extended US sympathies to those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal, including families of approximately 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for.
The latest announcement takes the United States’ total assistance for Nepal’s flood response and recovery to more than USD 36 million.
The funding is intended to address immediate humanitarian requirements while also supporting longer-term recovery, restoration of connectivity and disaster preparedness in Nepal.
