DIPESH SHRESTHA, GNN — The United States has announced an additional US$31 million in assistance to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas affected by devastating floods in Nepal.

The announcement was made by Alison Hooker, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs, during a meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal in New York. During the meeting, Hooker expressed condolences to the families of Nepali citizens affected by the floods and conveyed sympathy to the families of around 70 US citizens who remain unaccounted for.

The United States said it would continue to coordinate closely with the Government of Nepal in the areas of search and rescue, humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and post-disaster reconstruction.

Of the newly announced assistance, US$10 million will be allocated to the restoration of transport infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity. The assistance will include the procurement of permanent and rapidly deployable bridges from US companies for areas where bridges and other transport infrastructure have been damaged by floods.

A further US$8 million will support flood-affected communities through assistance in drinking water, sanitation, shelter, protection, livelihoods and winter preparedness.

The United States also plans to provide US$13 million for US-manufactured drones to strengthen disaster management and Nepal’s capacity to respond to floods and other emergencies.

With the latest announcement, total US assistance for flood response and recovery in Nepal has surpassed US$36 million, according to the US Embassy. The United States has also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Nepal to identify emerging needs and provide additional support as required.