US aid for Nepal floods criticized as inadequate despite increase to $3.6m

Aid experts have criticized the US initial emergency contribution of $500,000 for Nepal flood relief as embarrassingly small, though it was later raised to $3.6 million. The death toll from the flash floods has surpassed 1,000, with thousands still missing. Critics point to the dismantling of USAID as a reason for the diminished US response capacity.

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The $3.6 million pledge, announced after the initial $500,000 drew backlash, is earmarked for food assistance reaching 10,000 households for up to three months, plus emergency supplies including blankets and mosquito nets. The State Department maintains the original figure was meant to jumpstart relief while assessments continued, and notes ongoing grants support Nepal's flood early warning system.

The criticism centers on structural changes to US foreign aid. USAID was terminated as an independent agency in July 2025 under the "department of government efficiency" led by Elon Musk, with its duties absorbed by the State Department. Former USAID officials say