The United States has announced an additional $31 million in planned assistance for Nepal’s flood recovery, including support for infrastructure, essential services and future disaster-response efforts, according to reports.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker announced the funding on Tuesday during a meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The announcement comes after devastating floods affected several parts of Nepal.
The package includes plans for $10 million for permanent, custom-built bridges to restore damaged transport links and improve connectivity in affected areas.
Another $8 million is planned for water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterisation support.
The US also plans to provide $13 million worth of US-made drones to strengthen Nepal’s capacity for future disaster recovery operations.
Hooker expressed condolences to those affected by the floods, including families of around 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for, according to the reports.
The latest announcement brings total US assistance for Nepal’s flood response and recovery to more than $36 million.
Washington said it would continue coordinating with the Nepalese government to identify additional areas requiring support.
