US announces $10 million for flood-relief efforts
ISLAMABAD: The US announced $10 million on Sunday in humanitarian assistance for the flood relief efforts in the country.
Terming it an initial contribution, Washington said it was prepared to give more funds for the relief efforts. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said they will work closely with the government of Pakistan to ensure aid reaches those people who need it most.
Early on Sunday, a US Air Force C-130 and a C-17 transport aircraft flew into Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Rawalpindi, and delivered about 50,000 halal meal pallets, in response to a request by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Approximately 62,000 more pallets from US supply depots in the region were to be delivered later in the day, with more coming over the next few days. NDMA Director Hassan Zulfiqar said, “Almost one million people have been affected and thousands of people are marooned in flooded areas. They need immediate assistance, especially food and medicines”. The US shipment was the first international assistance for the flood-affected people. “As far as foreign assistance is concerned, this is the first flight,” Zulfiqar said.
The United States is rushing helicopters, boats, temporary bridges, water units and other supplies as part of an initial 10-million-dollar aid pledge. A statement from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, “The Pakistani people are friends and partners, and the United States is standing with them as the tragic human toll mounts from flooding in northwest Pakistan”. She added the US embassy in Islamabad is coordinating closely with Pakistani authorities to support rescue and relief efforts, and that the US will work closely with the government of Pakistan to ensure that aid reaches those people who need it most.
Source: Daily Times
Date:8/2/2010
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