The United States has approved $1 million in additional funding to provide forensic support to Nepal Police as part of efforts to identify victims of the recent floods, the US State Department said.

The funding was approved by the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and will support Nepal Police in identifying victims, including through DNA analysis kits, according to a statement issued by the US government.

The United States said it continues to extend its deepest sympathy to those affected by the flooding and their families, while reaffirming its friendship with the Nepali people. It said the safety of US citizens in the affected areas remains its highest priority.

With the additional funding, the US government has now provided more than $5 million in humanitarian, health and forensic assistance following the floods.

This includes $3 million in food and logistics assistance through the World Food Programme. The funding will provide up to three months of emergency food to 10,000 flood-affected households and help address supply chain constraints in humanitarian deliveries by using air and ground transport to reach communities cut off from access.

The US has also provided $685,000 in food, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection and financial assistance through Catholic Relief Services. The organisation is providing essential shelter and food items, blankets, plastic sheeting, tents, solar lights and dignity kits, while also operating child-friendly spaces for affected children.

Another $365,000 has been provided for health, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene assistance through Jhpiego, FHI 360 and UNICEF.

FBI forensic specialists are working alongside Nepal Police to support disaster victim identification and provide specialised humanitarian expertise, the statement said. They are helping authorities identify victims and provide answers to families of US citizens and other victims of the disaster.

The US military has also delivered 5,000 specialised disaster victim recovery supplies, 500 first-aid kits, stretchers and front-end loaders to support Nepal-led search, rescue and recovery operations.

A four-person US Military Civil Affairs Team is on the ground to conduct overseas humanitarian, disaster and civic aid projects aimed at addressing post-crisis humanitarian needs.

The US government said the operation was rapidly evolving and that it was working closely with local partners to adapt its support to changing conditions.

The United States is prepared to work with the Nepal government to provide additional assistance that responds directly to the country’s needs, the statement said.