US Provides Aid to Pakistan Amidst Devastating Floods

Strategic Insights -

US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson emphasized that Pakistani flood victims require "mostly money and relief supplies" from the international community. The US, along with the U.N., has warned about the potential spread of waterborne diseases in Pakistan as the Indus River Valley continues to overflow due to torrential monsoons. The US has provided $76 million in financial and humanitarian assistance, as well as military helicopters to evacuate flood victims and deliver aid supplies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 20 million people, or one-tenth of Pakistan's population, have been affected by the flooding, with one-fifth of the country remaining flooded.
  • The US has given $76 million in financial and humanitarian assistance, with 18 US military and civilian aircraft, including four CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, operating in Pakistan to deliver aid and evacuate victims.
  • The US has evacuated 4,613 people and delivered 515,113 pounds of relief supplies since August 5, with plans for an additional eight helicopters to arrive in the next few days.
  • The Obama administration has provided a month's ration of food to over 307,000 people through the World Food Programme, with 440,928 halal meals delivered in 36 hours.
  • The US has also provided 12 prefabricated steel bridges, 18 Zodiac rescue boats, six water filtration units, a 25-kilowatt electric generator, 10 water storage bladders, and 30 concrete-cutting saws.
  • Cholera cases are suspected, with a disease early-warning system and radio and text-messaging networks set up to promote good hygiene and warning signs.
  • U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has allocated an additional $10 million to the U.N.'s Central Emergency Response Fund, bringing the total to $27 million, and announced a report to the U.N. General Assembly on August 19.

Statistics:

  • $76 million in US financial and humanitarian assistance
  • 18 US military and civilian aircraft operating in Pakistan
  • 4,613 people evacuated by US helicopters
  • 515,113 pounds of relief supplies delivered by US helicopters
  • 307,000 people provided with a month's ration of food through the World Food Programme
  • 440,928 halal meals delivered in 36 hours
  • 12 prefabricated steel bridges provided
  • 18 Zodiac rescue boats provided
  • Six water filtration units provided
  • A 25-kilowatt electric generator provided
  • 10 water storage bladders provided
  • 30 concrete-cutting saws provided

Sources:

  • U.S. Central Command
  • National Public Radio
  • Reuters news agency
  • State Department
  • World Health Organization
  • United Nations