U.S. Pledges $500,000 in Emergency Aid for Nepal Flood Victims
Nepal Army personnel take part in search, rescue and evacuation operations after catastrophic flash floods swept through Rasuwa district and downstream communities in Nepal. Photo: Nepal Army
The United States expressed condolences Tuesday to the families of those killed in flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and announced $500,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance for communities affected by the disaster.
The State Department said the funding, provided through its global award with Catholic Relief Services, will support emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services in flood-hit areas.
“The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal,” the department said in a media note issued Aug. 26. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster.”
The department said it was closely monitoring conditions and deploying a disaster response adviser to the region to support relief efforts.
Previously, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had pledged American assistance to Nepal following catastrophic flash floods along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems that have killed at least 147 people and left hundreds of travelers unaccounted for, including 47 Americans.
Rubio expressed condolences and promised federal assistance for the region.
“We express our solidarity and are united in prayer for the Nepali people following the devastating floods,” Rubio said. He added that the U.S. Department of State “stands ready to support the Government of Nepal with needed humanitarian assistance.”
The announcement follows emergency advisories issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu detailing severe damage across Nepal’s Rasuwa District and downstream communities. Embassy officials confirmed that they are actively working to locate American citizens in affected areas, including Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, and Tanahun.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the Bhote Koshi flood,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster.”
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also offered condolences to the victims and urged Americans in the region to stay connected to emergency channels.
“My sincere condolences to the people of Nepal on the devastating floods. Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones,” Gor said. “American citizens, please follow the U.S. Embassy in Nepal for updates and be sure to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.”
Rasuwa, a mountainous district north of Kathmandu that borders China, is vulnerable to floods, landslides, and other weather-related disasters, particularly during Nepal’s monsoon season. The State Department’s statement did not provide a death toll or further details about the extent of damage caused by the latest flooding.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is working with local authorities to locate and assist American citizens in affected areas, the department said.
Americans in Nepal who need urgent assistance related to the flooding can contact the embassy’s American Citizen Services unit at [email protected]. The department urged U.S. citizens in affected areas to monitor local news, follow instructions from local authorities, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, to receive emergency and safety alerts.
U.S. citizens seeking information about relatives in Nepal may call 1-888-407-4747 from the United States or Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
The U.S. assistance announcement comes as Nepali authorities and humanitarian agencies respond to the effects of monsoon-season disasters across the Himalayan nation.