Washington, Aug 31:
The United States has announced more than $3.6 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Nepal as the Himalayan nation struggles to cope with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides.
The US Department of State said the assistance would support life-saving humanitarian operations for people affected by the disaster. The aid comes as rescue teams continue to search for thousands of people missing after the August 26 floods.
The funds are expected to support emergency relief operations, including assistance to displaced communities and people in areas where infrastructure has been destroyed or access remains severely restricted. The disaster has caused extensive damage across northern Nepal, particularly in areas close to the Nepal-Tibet border.
The international response has expanded as Nepal faces enormous logistical challenges. Difficult mountainous terrain, damaged roads and bridges, blocked tunnels and continuing bad weather have slowed rescue operations. India and China have also deployed specialised personnel to assist Nepal with rescue efforts.
The US assistance comes at a critical stage, with survivors requiring food, shelter, medical supplies and other essential support even as search operations continue. The scale of the disaster has prompted a wider international humanitarian response aimed at helping Nepal cope with both the immediate emergency and the recovery that will follow.