US plans additional $31m for Nepal flood recovery

The United States plans to provide an additional $31 million to support Nepal's flood recovery efforts, including rebuilding critical transportation infrastructure and strengthening disaster preparedness.

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker announced the plans during a meeting with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York on September 22.

Hooker also expressed the United States' sympathies to those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal, including the families of around 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for.

Of the planned assistance, $10 million will be sought from Congress to fund permanent, custom-built bridges to restore critical transportation infrastructure in flood-affected areas and strengthen regional connectivity, according to a US Department of State media note.

The bridges will be sourced from a US company, it said.

The United States also plans to provide an additional $8 million for water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterisation support for affected communities.

Another $13 million will be allocated for US-made drones to support future disaster recovery efforts.

The latest announcement brings total US assistance for Nepal's flood response and recovery efforts to more than $36 million, according to the State Department.

The United States will continue to work with the Government of Nepal to identify and provide additional assistance based on the needs of affected communities, it said.