‘We’ll Have Anything They Want’: Trump Pledges Full U.S. Aid to Nepal After Floods
President Donald J. Trump. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)
President Donald Trump offered U.S. aid to Nepal on Thursday following catastrophic flash flooding in the Himalayan nation, while expressing concern for dozens of Americans who remain unaccounted for in the region.
Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office event, Trump described the devastating impact of heavy flooding and debris flows, which have swept away entire communities and left hundreds dead or missing.
“That’s terrible,” Trump said. “And we’ve called Nepal, and we’ve offered any help that they need. You know, we have a very good relationship with Nepal, and that was a brutal — that wasn’t just, that was mud and water as a mixture. Nobody’s ever seen anything quite like that where powerful, strong, well-built buildings were wiped out like they were toothpicks.”
The president confirmed that Washington is actively dispatching relief and coordinating directly with Nepalese officials as search-and-rescue operations continue.
“That’s a terrible thing,” Trump added. “We are sending aid, and we’ve spoken to the leadership, and we let them know anything they want, we’ll have.”
Trump also highlighted growing concern over U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the hit areas. Reports indicate dozens of Americans are among hundreds of foreign nationals missing after torrents of water and mud rushed through northern river valleys.
“There were 50, maybe 60 Americans over there who we haven’t gotten the full list yet, but hopefully they’re okay,” Trump said. “But that looks like something that people will not be — somebody will be lost, unfortunately.”
Official estimates on the number of missing Americans have continued to rise as search-and-rescue efforts proceed. The Nepal Police have listed 65 U.S. citizens as missing, while the U.S. Department of State estimates that about 90 Americans might be affected by the disaster.
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 affected communities.
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 an Aug. 26 media note. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster.”
The department added that 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 pledged American assistance to Nepal following catastrophic flash floods along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. The floods 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, adding 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 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 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 bordering China, is highly vulnerable to floods and landslides during Nepal’s monsoon season.
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 (STEP) to receive emergency 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.