Washington, August 28: President Donald Trump has extended an offer of comprehensive assistance to Nepal following catastrophic floods near the Nepal-Tibet border. The U.S. State Department reported that approximately 90 American citizens may be affected by this disaster.
During a press briefing at the White House, Trump stated, “We have reached out to Nepal and offered any help they need. It has been a terrible disaster.”
The State Department confirmed that three American citizens stranded in Nepal have been safely rescued. As of Thursday morning at 8 AM Eastern Time, there have been no reports of American fatalities.
The department noted that U.S. embassies in Nepal and China are collaborating with local tour operators and authorities to assist American citizens in the affected areas.
A spokesperson from the State Department mentioned that search and rescue operations led by Nepal are ongoing. The U.S. has also deployed a disaster response advisor to the region and provided $500,000 in emergency aid through its global assistance program in partnership with Catholic Relief Services.
This funding will be utilized for temporary shelters, relief supplies, clean water, sanitation, and health support in flood-impacted areas. The State Department has urged American citizens in the affected regions to stay updated with local news, follow instructions from local authorities, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
U.S. lawmakers of Indian descent, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam, have issued separate statements urging the State Department to intensify efforts to locate missing Americans. Krishnamoorthi, representing Illinois, emphasized the need for the department to utilize all available resources in the search and rescue efforts, collaborating closely with Nepal and regional authorities.
He expressed, “My thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet, especially the hundreds still missing.” He added that it is concerning that American citizens are among the missing, and his office is assisting families trying to locate their loved ones. Krishnamoorthi stressed that the U.S. should provide every possible support to families awaiting news of their relatives.
Suhas Subramanyam, representing Virginia’s 10th congressional district, noted that many of his constituents have also been impacted by this disaster. He described the sudden flooding at the Nepal-Tibet border as tragic and offered prayers for all affected.
He expressed particular concern for the large number of American citizens who are missing, including several of his constituents from Northern Virginia. Subramanyam mentioned that some of the missing individuals were community leaders who traveled to the Himalayan region for spiritual purposes.
He stated, “Some of them went to the Himalayas in search of spiritual connection.” He confirmed that his office is in regular contact with the State Department to ensure the effectiveness of the search and rescue operations and to keep families informed. Affected American citizens in Nepal can reach out to the U.S. embassy for assistance.
Leave a Comment