Press Releases 2008
U.S. Airlifts Shelter Materials to Pakistan Quake Victims
November 7, 2008
Quetta - On November 6th, the U.S. Government airlifted materials used to construct transitional shelters for families affected by the October 29 earthquake in Balochistan Province. This assistance will help meet the needs of 26,500 people in the affected area as they face the upcoming winter.
These materials help fill the need for immediate emergency shelter as identified by the American Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in coordination with local officials and the international relief community. The airlift, which is valued at more than $258,000 including transport costs, is part of the $2.5 million the U.S. Government has provided for the earthquake relief effort in Pakistan.
Through its international and non-governmental partners, the U.S. continues to distribute much needed relief commodities in Balochistan province. On November 3, the first trucks transporting USG-funded plastic sheeting for the construction of temporary shelters arrived in Quetta. This plastic sheeting was distributed to affected villages in Ziarat District.
Speaking on the earthquake, USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore stated, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the government and people of Pakistan."
Since 2002, the United States has provided more than $3.4 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction. This assistance underscores the strong and lasting friendship between the United States and Pakistan.
For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.