U.S. Diplomats, Lawmakers Express Solidarity With Nepal After Devastating Floods
Trishuli in Nuwakot after flooding in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, Nepal. Photo: Dipendra Dhungana/NepYork
American leaders and top diplomats expressed solidarity and offered support Wednesday after a massive ice-and-rock avalanche along the Nepal-China border triggered catastrophic flash flooding that left at least 150 people dead and hundreds missing.
The sudden wall of water and debris tore through the Lhende Khola and Bhote Koshi river systems, washing away homes, bridges and other infrastructure. Dozens of foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, were among those missing.
U.S. officials responded through social media and official channels, offering humanitarian assistance and urging Americans in the region to take precautions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States stood ready to assist local authorities responding to the humanitarian crisis.
“We express our solidarity and are united in prayer for the Nepali people following the devastating floods,” Rubio said. “The State Department stands ready to support the Government of Nepal with needed humanitarian assistance.”
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor offered condolences to victims and urged Americans in the region to stay connected to emergency channels.
“My sincere condolences to the people of Nepal on the devastating floods. Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones,” Gor said. “American citizens, please follow the U.S. Embassy in Nepal for updates and be sure to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.”
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers expressed sympathy for victims and cited the growing threat of extreme weather events.
Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-Calif., called the event “a painful reminder of the growing threat of extreme, climate-driven disasters” and expressed concern for unaccounted-for Americans.
“The deadly flash floods in Nepal are truly devastating, and my heart is with the families mourning loved ones, those still missing, including Americans, and the communities facing unimaginable loss,” Mullin said. “I am grateful to the first responders and recovery crews working tirelessly in the face of such loss.”
Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also expressed support for rescue efforts.
“I’m deeply saddened by the catastrophic flooding on the Nepal-Tibet border,” Meeks said in a post from the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats account. “My thoughts are with those affected and with the rescuers still at work. U.S. citizens in the area should follow instructions from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal.”
Maryland Del. Harry Bhandari, also expressed condolences and solidarity with people affected by the disaster.
“Deeply saddened by the devastating floods in Nepal that have claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds missing after an avalanche triggered devastating flash floods along the Nepal-China border,” Bhandari said in a social media post. “My heartfelt condolences to the families affected. I stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal.”
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, or CAPAC, also voiced support for Nepal.
“The devastation unfolding in Nepal is heartbreaking,” CAPAC said in a statement. “Our hearts are with everyone impacted by these catastrophic floods, especially the victims, their families and communities.”