U.S. Approves Additional $1 Million for Nepal’s Flood Victim Identification Efforts
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
September 13, 2026 | Kolkata
The United States has announced another $1 million in assistance for Nepal, this time directed toward forensic support to help authorities identify victims of the country’s devastating floods.
The funding has been approved by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and will support the Nepal Police in addressing urgent forensic requirements, including the provision of DNA analysis kits. With the new allocation, U.S. assistance linked to the disaster response has now surpassed $5 million. (ap7am.com)
Washington has expressed its sympathy to those who lost family members and loved ones in the disaster. The United States has also reiterated that the safety and welfare of American citizens caught in the affected areas remain a priority.
The latest contribution adds to a wider package of American humanitarian assistance. Of the previously announced support, $3 million has been directed through the World Food Programme for emergency food and logistics operations. The programme is expected to support as many as 10,000 flood-affected households with up to three months of emergency food supplies, while also helping move essential relief to communities isolated by damaged transport links.
A further $685,000 has been channelled through Catholic Relief Services for emergency food, shelter, water and sanitation services, protection measures and financial assistance. Another $365,000 has been allocated for health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene support through Jhpiego, FHI 360 and UNICEF.
Forensic teams support disaster victim identification
A major component of the current U.S. response involves specialist forensic expertise. FBI forensic specialists are working with Nepal Police to assist with disaster victim identification and provide technical support during the identification process.
The work is intended to help authorities determine the identities of victims and provide families with answers amid the continuing uncertainty surrounding those who remain missing.
The floods and associated debris flows have resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis across parts of Nepal and the wider affected Himalayan region. Recent international reporting has placed the combined death toll in Nepal and neighbouring affected areas at more than 1,300, while thousands remain missing. (Reuters)
U.S. military contributes recovery equipment
American support has also extended to Nepal-led search, rescue and recovery operations. The U.S. military has supplied 5,000 specialised disaster victim recovery items, 500 first-aid kits, stretchers and front-end loaders for use during ongoing operations.
A four-member U.S. Military Civil Affairs Team is also operating in Nepal, supporting humanitarian, disaster-response and civic-assistance activities as the country moves from immediate rescue operations toward broader recovery.
The State Department has said the American response will continue to evolve according to circumstances and requirements identified by Nepalese authorities and humanitarian partners on the ground.
International community expands support
The new U.S. funding comes as international assistance to Nepal continues to grow. The Asian Development Bank has approved a $5 million emergency grant for urgent rescue and relief activities, while the United Nations and humanitarian partners have launched a $49.6 million emergency appeal designed to assist more than 84,000 people affected by the catastrophe. (Asian Development Bank)
The disaster has caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and essential services in affected areas, increasing the need for both immediate humanitarian relief and longer-term recovery assistance.
The United States has indicated that it remains ready to coordinate with the Government of Nepal and provide further assistance based on needs emerging during the continuing response.
The latest $1 million commitment therefore adds an important forensic dimension to the international relief effort, helping Nepalese authorities tackle one of the most difficult consequences of the disaster: identifying victims and bringing clarity to families still waiting for information.
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
