‘Pitiful’: experts condemn initial US aid contribution for Nepal flood victims
Summary
The US initially announced $500,000 in emergency aid for flood victims in Nepal, which experts called too small. The US later increased the aid to $3.6 million to help feed people and provide emergency supplies. Some aid specialists say the US response is weaker now because its main foreign aid agency, USAID, was ended and its work moved to the State Department.Key Facts
- Nepal was hit by deadly flash floods and mudslides, killing over 1,000 people with 4,400 missing.
- The US first offered $500,000 for emergency relief, then raised it to $3.6 million.
- The aid will help feed 10,000 affected families and provide blankets, mosquito nets, and shelter.
- USAID, the main US foreign aid agency, was shut down in July 2025 and its duties moved to the State Department.
- Experts say USAID’s closure weakened the US ability to respond quickly and properly to disasters like Nepal’s flood.
- The State Department says the initial $500,000 was meant as immediate help while more assessments were made.
- Some former US aid officials called the first amount “embarrassing” and “pitiful.”
- The US embassy in Nepal is working closely with local officials and prioritizes rescuing Americans first.
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