Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The United States plans to provide an additional $31 million to support Nepal’s flood recovery efforts, including funding for permanent bridges, humanitarian assistance and drones for future disaster response.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker announced the additional assistance during a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal in New York, according to a US government statement.
The United States plans to provide $10 million for permanent, custom-built bridges to restore critical transportation infrastructure in flood-affected areas and strengthen regional connectivity.
Similarly, an additional $8 million will support water, sanitation and hygiene services, shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterization assistance for affected communities.
The US also plans to provide $13 million worth of US-made drones to support future disaster recovery efforts.
During the meeting, Hooker expressed sympathies to those affected by the devastating floods, including the families of about 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for.
The latest commitment brings total US assistance for Nepal’s flood response and recovery to more than $36 million, according to the statement.
