Washington, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Three Indian-American lawmakers and 27 other US Congress members have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deploy specialised disaster response teams and advanced surveillance technology to help locate thousands of people missing after catastrophic floods in Nepal.
Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Suhas Subramanyam led the appeal as the reported death toll crossed 1,300. At least 4,000 people remained missing, including at least 75 US citizens, according to the lawmakers.
In a letter to Rubio, they urged the State Department to use all available resources to strengthen search-and-rescue operations and ensure the safety and recovery of Americans and others affected by the disaster.
The August 26 catastrophe followed a glacial collapse and landslide in the Himalayas, sending water, mud and debris through the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river corridors. Communities in Nepal and Gyirong County were severely affected, with roads, bridges, homes and other critical infrastructure destroyed.
The lawmakers welcomed the initial US response, including $500,000 through Catholic Relief Services for emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene assistance. They also acknowledged $3.6 million in humanitarian aid announced on August 29, but said the scale of the disaster required a much larger response.
They called for the immediate deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which can support search operations, rescue efforts, logistics and medical services. They also sought high-altitude surveillance capabilities, thermal and infrared drones, satellite imagery and phone-location data to help trace missing people.
The lawmakers urged coordination with Nepalese authorities, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Defence Department agencies, commercial satellite companies, donor nations and international organisations to ensure first responders can access critical information and affected areas.
They also called for daily updates to families and Congress, sufficient staffing for consular hotlines, assistance in repatriating US citizens and their families, and additional International Disaster Assistance funding for search-and-rescue operations, food, sanitation and transportation.
Looking beyond the immediate emergency, the lawmakers urged Washington to prepare for long-term reconstruction. Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has estimated rebuilding costs at $4 billion-$5 billion.
India, the UK, South Korea, the UN, World Bank and several NGOs have also announced emergency assistance.
The lawmakers said US engagement should help locate missing Americans, strengthen rescue operations and support Nepal in rebuilding communities and infrastructure to withstand future disasters.
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