- Nepal flood death toll climbs to 1,357; 5,326 people still missing, including 64 US nationals
- US appoints veteran diplomat Megan Bouldin to lead embassy's flood recovery effort
- Washington has pledged $500,000 in emergency grant assistance for Rasuwa flood victims
- Avalanche near Nepal-Tibet border triggered flooding that destroyed homes, roads and hydropower projects
The United States has moved quickly to bolster its diplomatic presence in Nepal, appointing Megan Bouldin as Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy in Kathmandu to support the country's rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating August 26 flash floods.
The scale of the disaster continues to grow. The death toll rose to 1,357 on Tuesday as more bodies were recovered from the affected areas, authorities said, with rescue teams still combing the region for 5,326 people who remain unaccounted for, including nearly 64 US nationals.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Nepal said Bouldin had arrived in Kathmandu to provide surge support as Charge d'Affaires for the next few months, working alongside Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Scott Urbom to lead the embassy's efforts on the ground.
Bouldin will provide surge support as Charge d'Affaires for the next few months.US government
"She (Bouldin) will work with DCM Urbom to lead the US Embassy efforts in response of Nepal's flood response and recovery, with a focus on assisting US citizens affected by the flood," the statement said.
Washington has already pledged $500,000 in emergency grant assistance for victims of the flooding in Rasuwa, one of the worst-hit districts.
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Bouldin arrives in Nepal fresh from the US Embassy in Dhaka, where she has served as DCM since August 2024.
The embassy described her as "a career member of the senior foreign service" who "brings extensive experience in crisis management, diplomacy and leadership, including assignments in Ukraine, Iraq, Bangladesh, and Washington's Operations Centre."
Her deployment, the embassy said, reflects the United States' "sustained commitment to working closely with the government of Nepal and partners as relief and recovery efforts continue."
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The disaster itself began when an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border sent the Bhotekoshi River surging downstream, tearing through northern and central Nepal and washing away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges, while also crippling hydropower projects across the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
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