Nepal Floods: US Sends $500,000 Aid, WHO Provides Medical Supplies
Kathmandu, August 28: The United States has announced USD 500,000 in assistance for communities affected by devastating flash floods and mudslides in Nepal, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched emergency medical supplies to support ongoing relief operations.
The international support comes as Nepal continues large-scale search-and-rescue operations following the floods in the Rasuwa district. According to the latest status report released by Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the death toll has reached 469, with hundreds of people still reported missing.
US Announces $500,000 Emergency Assistance
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison M Hooker said she spoke with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal about ongoing search-and-rescue operations, including efforts to locate missing US citizens.
In a post on X, Hooker said the US State Department was quickly deploying $500,000 in assistance to flood-affected communities. She added that the US Embassy in Nepal was coordinating with local authorities to assist American nationals.
“The United States stands with the people of Nepal during this difficult time and will continue to support relief and recovery efforts,” Hooker said.
Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Hooker conveyed condolences from the US Government over the loss of lives and property and expressed support for Nepal's efforts to rescue missing people, including US nationals.
Foreign Minister Khanal highlighted the ongoing search-and-rescue operations and thanked the US Government for its offer of assistance. He said the Nepalese Government was using all available resources for search, rescue and relief operations.
WHO Sends Medicines and Emergency Tents
The WHO has also stepped up its response to the disaster.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation's Nepal office had mobilised and dispatched essential emergency medical supplies, including medicines and multipurpose tents, to help maintain health services in affected areas.
Tedros said WHO Nepal was working closely with Nepalese authorities and other partners to assess additional requirements.
He also thanked those involved in the emergency response, particularly personnel continuing relief operations despite challenging conditions.
King Charles Expresses Sympathy
Meanwhile, UK King Charles III expressed sympathy for those affected by the flooding along the Nepal-China border.
In a message shared by The Royal Family on X, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “heartbroken” to hear about the devastation. He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and those anxiously waiting for information about missing relatives and friends.
The King also paid tribute to police and Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives while carrying out rescue duties and thanked those involved in ongoing emergency operations.
Nepal Intensifies Search and Rescue
The latest disaster comes as authorities continue search-and-rescue operations across affected districts following the Bhote Koshi flood in Rasuwa district.
Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established an Emergency Response Team to coordinate search and rescue, verify information and provide consular assistance to foreign nationals affected by the disaster.
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate missing people, assist those stranded by the floods and restore damaged infrastructure.
With the death toll standing at 469 and hundreds still missing, international assistance from the US, WHO and other partners is expected to support Nepal's ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
