The United States has approved an additional $1 million in assistance to support Nepal’s efforts to identify victims of the devastating floods, taking Washington’s total aid following the disaster to more than $5 million.
The latest funding, approved by the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, will provide forensic assistance to the Nepal Police, including DNA analysis kits, as authorities work to establish the identities of victims and help families obtain answers about their loved ones.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the United States expressed its deepest condolences to those affected by the floods and their families, while reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Nepal.
Washington said the safety of US citizens in the affected areas remained its “highest priority” and that it was working closely with Nepalese authorities to assess and address the most urgent forensic requirements.
The new funding is in addition to more than $4 million previously committed by the US for humanitarian, health and other assistance following the disaster.
Of the previously announced package, $3 million is being provided through a US government global assistance award with the World Food Programme to support food distribution and logistics operations.
The funding is expected to provide up to three months of emergency food assistance to 10,000 flood-affected households. It will also support efforts to overcome severe supply-chain challenges by deploying air and ground transportation to communities that have been cut off.
Another $685,000 is being channelled through Catholic Relief Services for food, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection and financial assistance.
The organisation is providing affected communities with food and shelter supplies, blankets, plastic sheeting, tents, solar lights and dignity kits. It is also running child-friendly spaces to support children affected by the disaster.
An additional $365,000 is supporting health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene interventions through Jhpiego, FHI 360 and UNICEF.
The US said FBI forensic specialists were also working with the Nepal Police on disaster victim identification, bringing specialised forensic and humanitarian expertise to the ongoing response.
The initiative is intended to assist Nepalese authorities in identifying those who died in the floods while also helping provide information to families of American citizens and other victims affected by the disaster.
Beyond the financial assistance, the US military has supplied 5,000 specialised disaster victim recovery items, 500 first-aid kits, stretchers and front-end loaders to support Nepal-led search, rescue and recovery efforts.
A four-person US Military Civil Affairs Team has also been deployed to Nepal to carry out humanitarian, disaster and civic assistance projects addressing needs arising from the crisis.
The United States described the response as rapidly evolving, saying it was coordinating with local partners and adjusting its assistance as circumstances on the ground change.
Washington added that it remained ready to work with the Nepalese Government to provide additional assistance based directly on the country’s emerging needs.
US approves $1m forensic aid to help Nepal identify flood victims