Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 13: The United States has approved an additional $1 million to help Nepal identify victims of the devastating floods, taking the State Department’s assistance for disaster response to more than $5 million.
The new funding will provide forensic support to Nepal Police as American forensic specialists work alongside Nepali authorities on disaster victim identification, the US State Department said in a media note issued on September 12.
The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs approved the funding to support the Nepali government in identifying victims.
US officials are working with Nepal Police to assess the most urgent requirements, including DNA analysis kits. The forensic assistance comes in addition to funding for emergency food, shelter, healthcare and other relief measures for flood-affected communities.
“The safety of Americans in the affected area remains our highest priority,” the department said, expressing sympathy for those affected and their families and reaffirming the United States’ friendship with the people of Nepal.
FBI forensic specialists are also working with Nepal Police on disaster victim identification. Their efforts are aimed at helping authorities identify those who died and provide answers to families of American citizens and other victims, the department said.
The largest component of the State Department’s assistance is $3 million 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.
Together with the newly approved $1 million for forensic assistance, the listed State Department allocations total $5.05 million.
Separately, the US military has delivered 5,000 specialised disaster victim recovery supplies, 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 to undertake overseas humanitarian, disaster and civic aid projects aimed at addressing post-crisis humanitarian needs.
The State Department described the response as a rapidly evolving operation and said it was working closely with local partners to adjust assistance according to changing conditions.
“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,” it said.