Indian-American Lawmakers Urge More U.S. Aid for Nepal Flood Response

WASHINGTON — Three Indian-American lawmakers and 27 other members of Congress are urging U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deploy specialized disaster-response teams and advanced surveillance resources to Nepal as authorities search for thousands of people missing after catastrophic floods. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Suhas Subramanyam led the appeal as the reported death toll surpassed 1,300. At least 4,000 people remained missing, including at least 75 U.S. 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 Aug. 26 disaster followed a glacial collapse and landslide in the Himalayas. Water, mud and debris swept through the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river corridors, destroying roads, bridges, homes and other critical infrastructure and leaving thousands 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, water, sanitation and hygiene support. They also acknowledged $3.6 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance announced on Aug. 29. 'Nonetheless, given the unprecedented loss of life and countless missing persons, we urge the Department to do much more,' they said. The lawmakers called for daily updates to families of missing people and to Congress, adequate staffing for consular hotlines and assistance with the repatriation of U.S. citizens and their families. They also urged the immediate deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team, or DART, to affected communities. Such teams can support search-and-rescue operations, logistics and medical services while coordinating the U.S. government's disaster response. 'The scale of the catastrophe requires DART deployment as soon as possible,' the letter said. The lawmakers asked the State Department to coordinate with other U.S. agencies and private companies to deploy high-altitude surveillance assets and thermal or infrared drones. They also called for cooperation with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and Defense Department agencies to provide geospatial and aerial imagery to first responders, humanitarian organizations and local governments. Commercial satellite imagery and phone location data could also help locate 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 U.S. officials to work closely with Nepalese disaster authorities and coordinate with donor countries and international organizations to secure access to 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 State Department to prepare for longer-term reconstruction needs. Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has estimated reconstruction costs at between $4 billion and $5 billion, nearly one-tenth of the country's economy. The lawmakers said international assistance would be needed to rebuild communities and strengthen infrastructure against future disasters. India has sent temporary shelters, blankets, medicines and other emergency supplies. The United Kingdom, South Korea, the United Nations, the World Bank and nongovernmental organizations 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.' (Source: IANS)