Update: U.S. Response to Pakistan's Flooding Disaster

Washington, DC

August 6, 2010

The United States has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started on July 29. Our response has been consistent with our humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan. Support to Pakistan includes financial assistance and the immediate provision of urgently needed supplies and services drawing on unique U.S. capabilities.

Latest Developments:

• Emergency relief items continue to arrive in Peshawar for use by the Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority for appropriate distribution. The U.S. has provided a total of 18 Zodiac rescue boats, 6 water filtration units (each capable of providing clean water to 10,000 people a day), 10 water storage bladders and 30 concrete-cutting saws valued at $746,000.

• Six U.S. Army helicopters began humanitarian assistance operations August 5, but were grounded on August 6 due to weather conditions. On their first day of operations, they evacuated more than 800 people from Kalam to Khwalzakhela and transported 66,000 pounds of relief supplies. Nine sorties are scheduled for the four Chinook and two Black Hawk helicopters when the weather permits. A C-130 carrying supplies and a five-ton forklift has arrived in Pakistan and will fly two additional sorties to ferry more equipment and supplies.

U.S. Contributions To Date:

• To date, the U.S.’s financial commitment for assistance to flood-affected populations stands at $35 million. The money is being provided by the U. S. Agency for International Development to international organizations and established Pakistani NGOs to provide food, health care and shelter for those displaced by the floods.

• U.S. helicopters assigned to the Pakistani Ministry of Interior’s 50^th Squadron are continuing their operations and have rescued 1005 people and airlifted 37,473 pounds of supplies.

• More than 436,000 halal meals have been delivered to civilian and military officials in Pakistan, a contribution of $3.25 million dollars.

• Twelve pre-fabricated steel bridges have been made available as temporary replacements for highway bridges damaged by flooding in Peshawar and Kurram Agency.

• A 25kw generator was provided to the Frontier Scouts-KPk to support their flood relief efforts.

Private Sector Response:

• Working with mGive, Americans are contributing to Pakistan flood relief by texting the word “SWAT” to 50555. The text will result in a donation of $10 to the UNHCR Pakistan Flood Relief Effort. Every $10 helps provide tents and emergency aid to displaced families.

• The Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan cellular phone industry are inviting Pakistanis to contribute to the Prime Minister’s Fund for Flood Relief beginning August 5 by texting the amount of their donation to “1234”

• Coca-Cola Corporation for Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a $500,000 donation on August 5.

• The global U.S. health company Abbott Labs has committed $83,000 in cash and in-kind donations for flood victims.