The United States has announced an additional $31 million to support Nepal’s recovery from devastating floods. The new package will fund infrastructure reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and disaster-response equipment.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker announced the assistance during a meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The latest announcement brings total US assistance for Nepal’s flood response and recovery to more than $36 million. Washington has also said it will continue working with Nepal to identify areas that require additional support.
Around 70 Americans Remain Unaccounted For
The US government also expressed concern over American citizens affected by the disaster. Hooker offered condolences to families of approximately 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for in the flood-hit areas.
US authorities have continued working with families and Nepali officials as search and identification efforts continue. The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams still working across difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure.
Earlier updates had also reported dozens of Americans missing after the disaster. The State Department has maintained contact with families and supported efforts to identify victims.
$10 Million Planned for Permanent Bridges
A significant part of the new US package will focus on rebuilding transport infrastructure.
The United States plans to provide $10 million for permanent, custom-built bridges in flood-affected areas. American companies will supply the planned bridges.
The bridges will help restore damaged transportation links. They will also improve connectivity between communities that suffered major disruption during the floods.
Restoring roads and bridges has become an important part of Nepal’s recovery effort. Flood damage has disrupted access to several affected areas and made rescue and relief operations more difficult.
$8 Million for Humanitarian Assistance
Another $8 million will support humanitarian needs in communities affected by the floods.
The assistance will cover water, sanitation and hygiene services. It will also support shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterisation needs.
These services remain important as displaced families begin dealing with the longer-term consequences of the disaster. Access to clean water and adequate shelter can also help reduce additional health risks following major flooding.
The United States has already provided humanitarian assistance through international organisations working with communities in Nepal.
$13 Million for US-Made Drones
The US package also includes $13 million for American-made drones.
Officials plan to use the drones to strengthen future disaster recovery operations. The technology could support search efforts, damage assessment and emergency response in difficult-to-reach areas.
Mountainous terrain often creates major challenges for rescue teams. Drones can provide aerial information when roads remain damaged or inaccessible.
The planned investment therefore focuses not only on the current recovery effort but also on Nepal’s ability to respond to future disasters.
Floods Caused Widespread Destruction
The disaster began on August 26, when devastating flooding struck the Rasuwagadhi region near Nepal’s border with Tibet.
The floods and associated landslides affected several areas. They also damaged infrastructure and disrupted transport networks.
According to reports published on September 23, Nepal had recorded 1,451 recovered or rescued bodies, while more than 6,000 people remained missing in connection with the disaster. Search teams have continued operations in affected areas.
The scale of the disaster has created significant challenges for Nepal’s authorities. Rescue teams have had to work through debris, damaged roads and difficult mountainous terrain.
Search and Identification Efforts Continue
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate missing people and identify recovered bodies.
Forensic assistance has become an important part of the response. The US previously approved additional funding for forensic support and has worked with Nepal Police on disaster victim identification.
DNA testing and other identification methods can help authorities provide answers to families. Such efforts also remain important for foreign nationals who are still unaccounted for.
Nepal Begins Long-Term Recovery
The latest US commitment comes as Nepal moves from immediate rescue operations towards longer-term recovery and reconstruction.
Rebuilding bridges will help restore transportation. Humanitarian funding will support affected families. Meanwhile, new disaster-response equipment could strengthen preparedness for future emergencies.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is also expected to raise issues related to the disaster and climate resilience at the UN General Assembly. The country’s government has sought international support for reconstruction and greater access to climate finance.
US-Nepal Cooperation Expands
The new assistance represents a further step in US-Nepal cooperation following the disaster.
Washington has already provided humanitarian support, including food, shelter and water assistance. US personnel have also supported Nepal’s disaster victim identification and recovery efforts.
With the additional $31 million package, the United States has now committed more than $36 million to Nepal’s flood response and recovery.
The coming weeks will focus on locating missing people, supporting affected communities and restoring essential infrastructure. At the same time, Nepal will need sustained international cooperation as it begins the longer process of rebuilding areas devastated by the floods.