US announces $31 million aid for flood-hit Nepal

The United States has announced USD 31 million in funding for Nepal to build bridges in flood-affected areas, meet civic needs of affected communities and support the deployment of drones for future disaster recovery efforts.

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.

Hooker expressed the United States' condolences to those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal, including the families of around 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for, according to a statement from the US Department of State.

During the meeting, Hooker said the US plans to work with Congress to provide USD 10 million for permanent, custom-built bridges, which will be sourced from an American company.

The bridges are expected to help restore critical transportation infrastructure in affected areas and improve regional connectivity, the statement said.

The US also plans to provide an additional USD 8 million in assistance for water, sanitation and hygiene, along with shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterisation support for affected communities.

Another USD 13 million will be allocated for US-made drones to support future disaster recovery efforts, the department said.

With the latest announcement, total US assistance for Nepal's flood response and recovery efforts has crossed USD 36 million.

The United States will continue working with the Nepal government to identify and provide additional assistance where it is most needed, the statement said.

At least 1,451 people were killed and more than 6,000 remain missing after devastating floods hit the Rasuwagadhi region of Nepal near its border with Tibet on August 26.  (with inputs from media organisations)