On behalf of the United States, let me begin by expressing my deepest condolences to all those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, including the families of those who died in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and China. The images are gut-wrenching: Young children carried away in ambulances, entire villages reduced to rubble, families mourning their loved ones. There are no words adequate to express our sense of loss. We are working closely with the government of Nepal to provide assistance and support. Today, I am announcing that the United States - through the U.S. Agency for International Development - will provide an additional $9 million for Nepal earthquake response and recovery efforts. This brings our total humanitarian funding for this disaster to $10 million dollars.

India has mobilized a massive relief effort, and I want to thank Japan for sending a special disaster response team. USAID has also deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team, and we are activating additional Urban Search and Rescue Team members to accompany disaster experts and assist with assessments of the situation. We stand ready to provide additional assistance.