U.S. Announces Initial $10 Million Pakistan Flood Relief Assistance Delivers Food Meals, Emergency Supplies

August 1, 2010 - The U.S. delivered approximately 50,000 halal meals overnight to Pakistan in support of the Government of Pakistan's flood relief efforts.

August 1, 2010

Islamabad - The U.S. announced today that it would make an initial contribution of $10 million in humanitarian assistance to Pakistan flood relief based on priorities identified by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and is prepared to earmark additional funds for the effort, if requested.

Early on Sunday, U.S. aircrews aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130 and a C-17 transport aircraft flew into Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Rawalpindi, and delivered about 50,000 halal meals, in support of an NDMA request.

Approximately 62,000 more halal meals from U.S. supply depots in the region are scheduled for delivery to Pakistan later today via U.S. airlift, with more coming over the next few days.

To date, U.S. assistance to Pakistan's flood relief efforts have also included four Zodiac inflatable rescue boats, two water filtration units, and 12 pre-fabricated steel bridges that can temporarily replace highway bridges damaged by flooding in Peshawar and Kurram Agency. In addition, U.S.-provided helicopters continue to support the Ministry of Interior's rescue operations. The MOI 50th Squadron has been able to rescue more than 550 people isolated by the flood waters including people in need of urgent medical care. Food and water also has been ferried to people still not able to leave the flood areas.

Additional assistance will be provided based on the Government of Pakistan's assessments of humanitarian needs.