Thirty lawmakers from the United States, including five Indian-Americans, have formally contacted Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asking him to mobilise all available resources in the effort to locate American citizens who have gone missing following catastrophic floods in Nepal. The flash floods, which occurred on August 26, resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,300 lives and left at least 75 US nationals unaccounted for.

The letter urges the State Department to actively utilise high-altitude assets, alongside thermal and infrared drones, to support the ongoing search operations. Specific emphasis was placed on ensuring timely updates for the families of those who are missing as the tragedy continues to unfold.

Among those who signed the letter are notable Indian-American representatives: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, and Pramila Jayapal. The involvement of these lawmakers underscores the significance of the situation, especially since several Indian-Americans are believed to be among those missing in the flood-affected areas.

Humanitarian Support and Aid Acknowledged

The lawmakers expressed their support for the State Department’s announcement of a $500,000 aid package in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services, aimed at providing emergency shelter, relief supplies, and essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. Additionally, they acknowledged the humanitarian assistance of $3.6 million that was announced on August 29.

Despite recognising these efforts, the lawmakers emphasised the necessity for further action in light of the “unprecedented loss of life” and the multitude of individuals still unaccounted for. Their letter stressed the importance of a more comprehensive response from the Department of State to tackle the extensive needs presented by the disaster.

Furthermore, they called upon Rubio to dispatch a Disaster Assistance Response Team to the areas affected. These specialist teams play a crucial role in leading disaster responses, assessing emerging needs, and coordinating with local authorities as well as partner organisations.

Diplomatic Engagement for Updates on Missing Citizens

The members of Congress underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts, encouraging the State Department to maintain active communication with Nepal, China, and other donor nations. Such outreach is intended to secure vital updates regarding the missing American citizens for their concerned families.

Amid the ongoing search operations initiated after the devastating floods, the letter calls for a robust US response. The urgency of their request highlights the dire circumstances faced by countless families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.

The lawmakers’ collective action reflects a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and recovery of American citizens affected by this national disaster. They hope that consistent updates and assistance can provide some comfort to families during this troubling time.

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