New funding will support DNA analysis and forensic work with Nepal Police….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United States has approved an additional $1 million in assistance to help Nepal identify victims of the devastating floods, taking the total US State Department funding for the disaster response to more than $5 million.
The latest funding will provide forensic support to Nepal Police as authorities continue efforts to identify those who died in the disaster, the US State Department said in a media note issued on September 12.
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs approved the additional funding as part of Washington’s support for the Nepali government’s disaster victim identification efforts.
US officials are coordinating with Nepal Police to determine the most urgent requirements, including the possible provision of DNA analysis kits. The forensic assistance comes alongside broader US support for emergency food, shelter, healthcare and other relief measures for communities affected by the floods.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also deployed forensic specialists who are working alongside Nepal Police on disaster victim identification. Their efforts are aimed at helping authorities establish the identities of those who died and provide answers to families, including relatives of American citizens and other victims.
“The safety of Americans in the affected area remains our highest priority,” the State Department said, while expressing sympathy for those affected by the disaster and their families.
The largest component of the US State Department’s assistance is $3 million in funding for food and logistics through its global assistance award with the World Food Program.
Another $365,000 is being provided for health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene assistance through Jhpiego, FHI-360 and UNICEF.
With the newly approved $1 million for forensic support, the listed State Department allocations amount to $5.05 million.
The US military has separately provided Nepal with 5,000 specialised disaster victim recovery supplies, along with 500 first-aid kits, stretchers and front-end loaders. The equipment is being used to support Nepal-led search, rescue and recovery operations.
A four-member US Military Civil Affairs Team is also on the ground, where it is supporting overseas humanitarian, disaster and civic assistance efforts aimed at addressing post-crisis needs.
The State Department described the relief operation as rapidly evolving and said Washington was working closely with local partners to respond to changing requirements.
The US said it remained prepared to expand its assistance in coordination with the Nepali government.
“As the Secretary has reiterated, the United States is prepared to work closely with the Government of Nepal to continue to deliver additional assistance that responds directly to Nepal’s needs,” the department said.
