The United States is sending a disaster assistance response adviser and $500,000 in emergency aid to flood-ravaged northern Nepal, where a devastating flash flood has left hundreds dead or missing.
The US State Department said in a statement on Wednesday that the financial assistance would be provided through US-based humanitarian organization Catholic Relief Services. The funds will support emergency shelter, food, medicine, water, relief supplies, sanitation and hygiene for people affected by the disaster.
Washington is also deploying a disaster assistance response adviser to support and guide the rescue and relief teams working in coordination with the Nepal Army, police and disaster management authorities. The State Department did not disclose the adviser’s name.
A devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district, near the Tibet border, on Wednesday. The disaster was triggered by a sharp rise in the water level of the Bhote Koshi River, which flows through the district.
According to Nepal Police, rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 157 people from areas covered by mud and debris following the flooding. At least 579 people remain missing, police said.
Most of those missing are reportedly tourists. Nepal Police said more than 100 Indian nationals, 54 US citizens, 33 British nationals and more than 100 Nepali citizens are among those missing. Several dozen police officers, soldiers and electricity workers are also on the missing list.
The US State Department said Washington has instructed the US Embassy in Kathmandu to assist the Nepalese government with rescue efforts and the search for missing American citizens.
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