Kathmandu, October 29 : The United States will provide Nepal with more than $150 million worth of American-made helicopters, drones and riverboats to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Megan Bouldin met with Chief of the Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel on Wednesday to discuss the strong U.S.-Nepal partnership and ongoing American assistance to help Nepal recover from the devastating floods in August.
During the meeting, Bouldin expressed her deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster. She also extended her sympathies to the families of Nepali Army personnel who remain missing.
According to the U.S. Embassy, deliveries of the helicopters, drones and riverboats will begin next year. The equipment is expected to enhance Nepal’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.
The new assistance will complement the $38 million worth of M28 Skytruck aircraft donated by the United States last fall. The aircraft have been supporting relief operations in Nepal.
With American technology, equipment and expertise, the United States aims to help Nepal strengthen its search-and-rescue operations, medical evacuation services and emergency response capabilities.
The assistance is expected to support communities affected by disasters and help save lives during future emergencies.
