WASHINGTON — The Non-Resident Nepali Association National Coordination Council (NRNA NCC) USA has appealed to senior US government officials, senators and members of Congress to provide urgent assistance to Nepal following devastating floods that have caused widespread destruction across the country.
NRNA NCC USA President Satyendra Shah said letters have been sent to more than 70 US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, senators and members of the US House of Representatives.
The campaign, initiated at the request of NRNA NCC USA’s chief patron Sunil Shah, aims to mobilize additional US support for immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery efforts in Nepal.
Sunil Shah had also led a similar initiative while serving as president of NRNA NCC USA during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping mobilize medicines, medical equipment and other forms of assistance for Nepal.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of a devastating disaster that struck the mountainous region near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, following a massive avalanche and rockfall. The disaster triggered debris-filled floods across the Lende Khola, Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.
The floods destroyed major infrastructure, including roads, bridges and hydropower projects, while hundreds of workers were reportedly trapped inside hydropower tunnels.
According to a report dated September 7, more than 1,300 people have lost their lives, while around 5,000 people, including 75 US citizens, remain missing.
In a letter signed by NRNA NCC USA President Satyendra Shah, the organization thanked US lawmakers, including Ro Khanna and Jim McGovern, for their initial attention to the crisis.
The organization also urged US leaders to play a leading role in drawing the attention of USAID, the US Department of State and relevant congressional committees to Nepal’s serious humanitarian situation.
Although the Nepali-American community has been collecting relief supplies at the local level, NRNA NCC USA said the scale of the disaster is far beyond what the diaspora community can handle on its own.
The appeal calls for the rapid distribution of emergency supplies, including food, shelter, drinking water and medicines. It also seeks support for rebuilding destroyed homes, roads, bridges and energy infrastructure.
The organization has further requested assistance to introduce modern technologies for monitoring glacial, landslide and flood risks, as well as technical support, equipment and training to strengthen local emergency response and rescue teams.
It has also called for long-term strategic investment in disaster-risk reduction for vulnerable mountain communities in Nepal.
NRNA NCC USA said stronger international support is urgently needed to help Nepal respond to the immediate humanitarian crisis while building greater resilience against future disasters.
