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.