Kathmandu [Nepal], September 13 – The United States has approved additional assistance for victims of the devastating Bhotekoshi river floods that struck Nepal on August 26, the US State Department said.
The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has approved $1 million to provide forensic assistance and DNA kits to the Nepal Police for identifying victims.
With the latest funding the United States said it has provided more than $5 million in humanitarian, health and forensic assistance for the flood response.
The US assistance includes $3 million through the World Food Programme for food and logistics support providing emergency meals to 10,000 affected families for three months.
Another $6,85,000 has been provided through Catholic Relief Services for food, shelter, water, sanitation, protection and financial assistance. Essential shelter materials, blankets, tents, solar lights and dignity kits are being distributed while child-friendly spaces have also been established.
The US has also allocated $3,65,000 through ZOA, FHI 360 and UNICEF for health, nutrition and sanitation support.
US military personnel have provided 5,000 disaster victim recovery supplies, 500 first-aid kits, stretchers and front-end loaders for Nepal-led rescue and relief operations.
A four-member US military civil affairs team has been deployed to support humanitarian projects while FBI forensic specialists are assisting Nepal Police with victim identification.
