US pledges bridges, relief and drones for Nepal in $31 million flood aid
The funding announcement was made on Tuesday by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker after her meeting with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The US has announced $31 million in new funding for Nepal's flood recovery, including permanent bridges, support for affected communities and American drones for future disaster response.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker after her meeting with Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
According to a statement from the US Department of State, Hooker expressed condolences to those affected by the devastating floods, including the families of around 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for.
The latest commitment takes total US assistance for Nepal's flood response and recovery to more than $36 million.
The US plans to work with Congress to provide $10 million for permanent, custom-built bridges sourced from an American company. The bridges are intended to restore critical transport infrastructure in affected areas and improve regional connectivity.
Another $8 million will be allocated for water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterisation support for affected communities.
The US also plans to provide $13 million worth of American-made drones to support future disaster recovery efforts.
The US said it would continue working with the Nepal government to identify areas requiring additional assistance.
At least 1,451 people were killed and more than 6,000 remain missing after floods struck the Rasuwagadhi region near Nepal's border with Tibet on August 26.