The United States has announced an additional $31 million in funding for Nepal's flood relief efforts, taking its overall contribution to $36 million.
The latest contribution, toward building bridges in flood-affected areas, address civic needs of affected communities, and supporting the deployment of drones to assist in future disaster recovery efforts, was announced by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
He made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Session (UNGA).
The US has gradually increased its monetary aid for Nepal, starting with a modest $500,000 donation shortly after the tragedy on August 26 that has claimed at least 1,451 lives, with more than 6,000 still missing.
The initial donations had some notable contributions, with the UK giving $6.79 million and India sending across 50 metric tons of supplies. In the context, the American government's contribution raised eyebrows, with several experts referring to it as 'embarrassing' and 'pitiful', as noted by The Guardian.
However, the US added a further $3.6 million to the fund by early September, including food assistance. By September 12, the overall US donation increased to $5 million. That support included $1 million for forensic support to the Nepal Police, noted the US Department of State in a press note.
Meanwhile, Hooker extended the United States’ heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal, including the families of the approximately 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for, according to a statement from the US Department of State.
During their meeting, Hooker announced plans to work with Congress to provide $10 million in funding for permanent, custom-built bridges, which the US is sourcing from an American company.
These bridges will restore critical transportation infrastructure in affected areas and strengthen regional connectivity, the statement said.
The under secretary also announced plans to provide $8 million in additional assistance for water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as shelter, protection, and livelihoods support, to affected communities.
The department also plans to provide $13 million in US-made drones to better support future disaster recovery efforts. The US government said it will continue to work closely with the Nepal government to identify and deliver additional assistance where it is most needed.