United States approves additional funding for Nepal floods response

The United States has approved additional funding to support the response to devastating floods in Nepal, bringing total assistance to over $5 million in humanitarian, health, and forensics-related aid, according to a press release issued by the United States Department of State on September 12, 2026. The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has approved $1 million to provide forensic support to Nepal Police. The funds will help identify victims of the flood, with a focus on the highest-priority needs, including DNA analysis kits. The announcement reaffirms Washington’s commitment to work closely with the Government of Nepal. The safety of Americans in the affected area remains the highest priority for U.S. authorities.

The United States continues to extend its deepest sympathy to all those affected by the flooding in Nepal and their families. The country reaffirmed its enduring friendship with the Nepali people amid the ongoing disaster. U.S. agencies are coordinating directly with Nepal Police to determine the most urgent needs. The response is being managed as a rapidly evolving operation. Local partners on the ground remain central to shaping the assistance provided.

The State Department’s overall contribution of more than $5 million includes $3 million in food and logistics assistance channeled through a global assistance award with the World Food Program. This allocation will provide up to three months of emergency food to 10,000 flood-affected households. It will also address major supply chain constraints in humanitarian deliveries by utilizing air and ground transport to reach communities cut off from access. A further $685,000 has been provided in food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, and financial assistance through Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS is delivering essential shelter and food items, blankets, plastic sheeting, tents, solar lights, and dignity kits, while operating child-friendly spaces to support affected children.

An additional $365,000 has been allocated for health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance to flood-affected communities through Jhpiego, FHI-360, and UNICEF. FBI forensic specialists are working alongside Nepal Police to support disaster victim identification and provide specialized humanitarian expertise. The U.S. military has delivered 5,000 specialized disaster victim recovery supplies, 500 first aid kits, stretchers, and front-end loaders to support Nepal-led search, rescue, and recovery operations. A four-person U.S. Military Civil Affairs Team is on the ground to conduct overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid projects. “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,” the Secretary reiterated.

U.S. authorities emphasized that they are adapting to conditions as they change, in close coordination with local partners. The forensic and recovery efforts aim to help authorities identify victims and provide answers to families of American citizens and all victims of the tragedy. The Department has created a dedicated Nepal Flash Floods Information webpage with the latest information and resources related to the response. Additional assistance will continue to be shaped by Nepal’s evolving needs. The United States remains committed to standing with the Nepali people throughout the recovery.