U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker met with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York.

During the meeting, Under Secretary Hooker expressed the United States’ heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal. She also extended condolences to the families of approximately 70 U.S. citizens who remain unaccounted for following the floods.

Under Secretary Hooker announced plans to provide $10 million in assistance for permanent, custom-built bridges in Nepal. The bridges will be procured from a U.S. company.

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy, these bridges are expected to help restore critical transportation infrastructure damaged by the floods and further strengthen regional connectivity and transportation links.

Under Secretary Hooker also announced plans to provide an additional $8 million in assistance for water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as shelter, protection, livelihoods and winterization support for affected communities.

In addition, the U.S. Department of State plans to provide $13 million for U.S.-made drones designed to support disaster response efforts.

With this announcement, total U.S. assistance to Nepal for flood response and recovery efforts has exceeded $36 million.

The United States said it will continue to work closely with the Government of Nepal to identify and provide additional assistance where it is most needed.