US sends $10M in aid to quake-hit Nepal

The United States is sending $10 million in aid to Nepal following a devastating earthquake over the weekend.

Secretary of State John Kerry announced $9 million in aid on Monday, in addition to an initial $1 million in assistance that was offered Saturday.

The $1 million was sent to relief organizations in Nepal that are working to meet humanitarian needs following the magnitude-7.8 earthquake.

{mosads}State Department acting spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters Monday that the extra $9 million is primarily being used to support the U.S. disaster response team that is helping with search and rescue efforts.

“This is our initial response. I wouldn’t expect it to be the end, though,” Rathke said when asked if the U.S. would offer additional aid.

The U.S., he said, will coordinate with Nepal’s government, other nations and the United Nations to determine additional needs.

More than 4,000 people are believed to have died as a result of the earthquake, The Associated Press reported Monday.