Press Releases
U.S. Provides $50,000 in Flood Relief to Nepal
August 20, 2008
In response to a request from United States Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) has authorized the immediate release of $50,000 to provide emergency relief supplies to the victims of the flood in eastern Nepal.
Save the Children, in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross, will use the U.S. disaster assistance money for local purchase and transport of relief supplies, including blankets and shelter for the Nepalis who lost their homes in the flooding of August 18, 2008. The Koshi River broke through a retaining wall and flooded 8 villages in Sunsari District, forcing as many as 50,000 Nepalis to flee their homes. The Nepal Red Cross and Save the Children have already started distributing emergency relief supplies prepositioned for disaster relief by OFDA to Nepal.
By using the U.S. disaster assistance funds for local procurement, relief officials can quickly get the most urgently needed supplies to the Nepalis who need it the most. "The key is speed and flexibility in meeting the immediate relief needs of the villagers," said an USAID official. "The people in Sunsari need help now and this money will help us provide that immediate help."
The U.S. is prepared to provide additional assistance if needed, according to the USAID official. The $50,000 of U.S. disaster assistance is intended not for long term development but immediate relief for the victims of the flooding in Nepal.