Photo: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images News / Getty Images
President Donald Trump announced that the United States is sending aid to Nepal following devastating flash floods that have claimed hundreds of lives and left many missing. Speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday (August 27), President Trump assured Nepal's leaders that they would receive "anything they want" to aid in recovery efforts. The State Department has confirmed that at least 90 Americans are among those missing.
The disaster struck on Wednesday (August 26) when a glacier collapsed, sending a massive wall of water through a mountain valley along the Nepal-Tibet border. The death toll has risen to over 500, with estimates suggesting as many as 1,500 people are unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the challenging terrain, coupled with bad weather, has made the search for survivors difficult.
CNN reports that the floodwaters have destroyed bridges, buried houses, and left many communities isolated. The International Federation of the Red Cross has expressed concerns about further landslides and flooding due to the unstable conditions.
In addition to the U.S. aid, Australia has pledged a $3.5 million assistance package to support disaster response efforts in Nepal. CBS News states that the U.S. State Department is sending an adviser to the region and has granted $500,000 to Catholic Relief Services for emergency relief efforts.
The Nepali government is working at full capacity to provide relief and locate missing persons. The disaster poses a significant challenge for Nepal's young prime minister, Balendra Shah, who has been in office for just five months. As the search and rescue efforts continue, the international community remains committed to supporting Nepal during this crisis.