US lawmakers seek specialised teams to find Nepal flood victims

Daijiworld Media Network - Washington Washington, Sep 8: Three Indian-American lawmakers and 27 congressional colleagues have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deploy specialised disaster teams and advanced surveillance assets to help locate thousands of people missing after catastrophic floods in Nepal. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Suhas Subramanyam led the appeal as the reported death toll crossed 1,300. At least 4,000 people remained missing, including at least 75 US citizens. "We write to urge the State Department to use every available resource to support ongoing search-and-rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash floods in Nepal and to ensure the safety and recovery of American citizens and others affected by this disaster," the lawmakers said in a letter to Rubio. The August 26 disaster followed a glacial collapse and landslide in the Himalayas. Water, mud and debris swept through the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river corridors, devastating communities in Nepal and Gyirong County. The floods destroyed roads, bridges, homes and other critical infrastructure, leaving thousands of people stranded or missing. The lawmakers welcomed the State Department's initial response, including $500,000 in assistance through Catholic Relief Services for emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene support. They also acknowledged $3.6 million in US humanitarian assistance announced on August 29. "Nonetheless, given the unprecedented loss of life and countless missing persons, we urge the Department to do much more," they said. The lawmakers sought daily updates for families of missing people and Congress, adequate staffing for consular hotlines and assistance with the repatriation of US citizens and their families. They called for the immediate deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to affected communities. Such teams can support search operations, rescue work, logistics and medical services while coordinating the US government's disaster response. "The scale of the catastrophe requires DART deployment as soon as possible," the letter said. They also urged the State Department to coordinate with other US agencies and private companies to deploy high-altitude assets and thermal or infrared drones. The lawmakers called for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and Defence Department agencies to provide geospatial and aerial imagery to first responders, humanitarian organisations and local governments. Commercial satellite companies could also help provide current, unclassified imagery, while phone location data could assist efforts to trace missing people, they said. "These tools can save lives by providing geographical awareness for safe and efficient rescue operations, and the State Department's convening capacity can and should deliver this crucial information efficiently," the lawmakers said. They urged US officials to coordinate with disaster authorities in Nepal and engage donor countries and international organisations to secure access to all search areas and obtain information about missing Americans. The lawmakers also sought additional International Disaster Assistance funding for search-and-rescue operations, sanitation, food and transportation, while urging the department to prepare for long-term reconstruction support. Nepal's Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has estimated that reconstruction could cost between $4 billion and $5 billion, nearly one-tenth of the country's economy. The lawmakers said sustained assistance would be needed to rebuild communities and strengthen infrastructure against future disasters. India has sent temporary shelters, blankets, medicines and other emergency supplies, while the United Kingdom, South Korea, the United Nations, the World Bank and several non-governmental organisations have also announced assistance. "The videos of the catastrophic floods in Nepal have shocked the world, and the horrors faced by the victims and their families continue day in and day out," the lawmakers said. "We urge the State Department to take a leading role in the search and rescue efforts, find all missing Americans, and help rebuild communities devastated by this tragedy," they added.