The United States has stepped up its humanitarian response in Nepal after catastrophic flash floods devastated several areas, killing more than 1,300 people and leaving thousands unaccounted for. The disaster also affected dozens of American citizens, prompting Washington to expand its support for emergency relief and search-and-rescue operations.
US military personnel are assisting with the delivery of critical supplies and equipment to communities affected by the floods. The disaster struck multiple districts near Nepal’s border with China on August 26, affecting at least 65,000 people and severely damaging roads, bridges, homes and other essential infrastructure.
The US response comes as 30 members of Congress called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to provide additional American resources for the ongoing rescue operation. In a September 4 letter, the lawmakers urged the State Department to make full use of available capabilities to help locate survivors and protect Americans and other people caught in the disaster.
Among those who signed the letter were Indian-American lawmakers Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Pramila Jayapal and Shri Thanedar. They pressed the administration to maintain regular communication with families and Congress, strengthen consular hotline staffing and help with repatriation arrangements where necessary.
The lawmakers also recommended sending a Disaster Assistance Response Team to Nepal. Such a deployment could provide additional support for search and rescue, logistics, medical assistance and coordination on the ground.
Given the difficult Himalayan terrain, the congressional group also urged the use of specialized technology and equipment. Their recommendations included high-altitude rescue gear, thermal and infrared drones, phone-location information and satellite imagery. They further encouraged cooperation between the State Department, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, other Defense Department agencies and commercial satellite providers.
The floods were linked to a glacial collapse and landslide in the Himalayas, which sent enormous amounts of water, mud and debris through the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river corridors. The resulting destruction left many communities cut off and complicated rescue efforts.
Alongside operational assistance, the US has announced $500,000 through a global award involving Catholic Relief Services, as well as an additional $3.6 million in humanitarian assistance for Nepal.
