The United States continues to extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by the flooding in Nepal and their families, and we reaffirm our enduring friendship with the Nepali people. The safety of Americans in the affected area remains our highest priority.
As part of our efforts to support the Nepal Government in identifying victims of the flood, the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has approved $1 million to provide forensic support to Nepal Police. We are working closely with Nepal Police to identify the highest-priority needs, including DNA analysis kits.
With this additional funding, the State Department has now provided over $5 million in humanitarian, health, and forensics-related assistance following the floods, including:
- $3 million in food and logistics assistance provided through our global assistance award with World Food Program. This will provide up to three months of emergency food to 10,000 flood-affected households and address major supply chain constraints in humanitarian deliveries, by utilizing air and ground transport to reach communities cut off from access.
- $685,000 in food, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene, protection, and financial assistance through our global assistance award with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS is providing a range of U.S. Government-funded assistance to communities affected by the floods, including essential shelter and food items, blankets, plastic sheeting, tents, solar lights, and dignity kits, while also operating child-friendly spaces to support affected children.
- $365,000 in health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance to flood-affected communities through Jhpiego, FHI-360, and UNICEF.
FBI forensic specialists are also working alongside Nepal Police to support disaster victim identification and provide specialized humanitarian expertise, helping authorities identify victims and provide answers to families of American citizens and all victims of the tragedy.
The U.S. military has delivered 5,000 specialized disaster victim recovery supplies, 500 first aid kits, stretchers, and front-end loaders to support Nepal-led search, rescue, and recovery operations. A four-person U.S. Military Civil Affairs Team is on the ground to conduct overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid projects which will help address post-crisis humanitarian needs.
This is a rapidly evolving operation, and we are working closely with our local partners on the ground to adapt to conditions as they change. As the Secretary has reiterated, the United States is prepared to work closely with the Government of Nepal to continue to deliver additional assistance that responds directly to Nepal’s needs.
For the latest information and resources related to our response, the Department created a dedicated Nepal Flash Floods Information webpage.