Washington offers emergency assistance to Nepal as around 90 Americans may have been affected by devastating floods and mudslides along the Nepal-Tibet border…reports Asian Lite News Desk
US President Donald Trump has offered assistance to Nepal following devastating floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, as the US State Department said around 90 American citizens may have been affected by the disaster.
“We’ve called Nepal and offered any help that they need,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday, describing the situation as “brutal”.
The State Department said three US citizens had been safely rescued in Nepal and that, as of 8 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, it had received no reports of American deaths linked to the disaster.
US embassies in Nepal and China were working with local authorities and tour operators to locate and assist American citizens in affected areas, the department said.
Nepal-led search-and-rescue operations were continuing in the region, while Washington has deployed a disaster response adviser to support the response.
The US has also announced $500,000 in emergency assistance through its global award with Catholic Relief Services. The funding will be used to provide emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene support to communities affected by the floods.
The State Department urged Americans in the affected areas to monitor local news reports, follow instructions issued by local authorities and enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program.
The US response comes as concerns grow over the fate of foreign nationals caught in the disaster, with hundreds of people still reported missing following the floods and mudslides.
Indian-American lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam have separately called on the State Department to intensify efforts to locate Americans who remain unaccounted for.
Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, urged the department to use all available resources to support search-and-rescue efforts and coordinate closely with Nepalese authorities and other officials in the region.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet, including the hundreds of people who remain missing,” Krishnamoorthi said.
He described reports of missing American citizens as “deeply troubling” and said his office was working to assist people trying to locate family members and friends.
“The United States must help provide answers to families waiting for information about their loved ones,” he said.
Subramanyam, who represents Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, said several of his constituents from Northern Virginia were among those affected by the disaster.
“The news of the flash floods at the Nepal-Tibet border is devastating. My prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by this terrible disaster,” he said.
Subramanyam said he was particularly concerned about American citizens who remained missing, including several of his constituents.
“Some of them were community leaders who went to find spiritual connection in the Himalayas,” he said.
His congressional office has remained in contact with the State Department and is working to support search-and-rescue efforts and ensure families receive regular updates about their missing relatives.
The State Department said Americans affected by the disaster in Nepal can contact the US Embassy in Kathmandu for assistance. People seeking information about relatives in Nepal can also contact US government emergency assistance numbers.
The disaster has highlighted the difficulties of conducting rescue operations in Nepal’s mountainous terrain, particularly during the monsoon season. The country is vulnerable to flash floods, landslides and mudslides between June and September, while damaged roads and difficult geography can make access to affected communities challenging.
The Nepal-Tibet border region is also frequented by international travellers and pilgrims heading towards Mount Kailash, one of the most important sacred sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon tradition.
The region attracts pilgrims and tourists from India, the United States and several other countries, increasing the international concern over the disaster.
Washington’s offer of assistance comes as Nepal continues large-scale search, rescue and relief operations in areas devastated by the floods and mudslides. Authorities are working to locate missing people, evacuate stranded residents and provide emergency supplies to communities cut off by damaged roads and infrastructure.
The US government said it would continue working through its diplomatic missions, local authorities and humanitarian partners to assist Americans affected by the disaster and support relief efforts in Nepal.
