Published: October 11, 2005
US Provides $50Million to Pakistan for Initial Relief and Reconstruction Aid
The United States is coordinating with Pakistan to match the response to the needs of the populace.
U.S. efforts to assist those affected by the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck South Asia October 8 were summarized by the Department of State in a fact sheet issued October 10.
The earthquake, which hit a remote region in northern Pakistan near Islamabad, Pakistan, is estimated to have killed at least 30,000 people.
The United States is providing Pakistan an initial contribution of up to $50 million for relief and reconstruction following the earthquake that struck on October 8. The Department of Defense is also providing additional assistance and capabilities. Pakistan's initial request includes emergency shelter, food, water and medical supplies, transportation assets, and emergency management personnel.
For the many Americans who will want to make private contributions to assist the victims of this disaster, we recommend that they contact the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at www.ifrc.org.
As of 5:30 PM EDT, October 10, the following material assistance has been provided.
Emergency Relief Supplies
A C-17 and a C-130 arrived on October 10, carrying relief supplies, a 10-ton fork lift and two cargo handlers, as well as a humanitarian coordination team.
See Also: Airmen deliver first relief supplies to Pakistan
Three additional C-17s are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan by October 11 and other military relief missions will follow.
A IL-76 carrying initial USAID/OFDA relief supplies arrived in Islamabad on October 10, including 250 rolls of plastic sheeting-sufficient for approximately 2,500 families- 5,000 blankets, and 5,000 water containers.
USAID/OFDA in Washington committed $1 million to be provided through the American Red Cross in response to a Preliminary Emergency Appeal issued by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This was in addition to the $100,000 announced yesterday by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Transportation Assets
Eight U.S. military helicopters (five CH-47 Chinooks and three UH-60 Blackhawks) arrived October 10 to assist in bringing emergency relief to communities and villages affected by the earthquake. Some of the most severe damage from the earthquake has been sustained in remote areas not easily accessible by road. The helicopters will facilitate the delivery of relief supplies to these remote areas in Pakistan. They are scheduled to begin relief operations in coordination with the Government of Pakistan beginning October 11.
Additional capabilities for damage assessment, heavy lift ground equipment, and medical support are being identified and dispatched from within the Central Command region.
Emergency Management Assistance
The head of a seven-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has arrived in Islamabad. The rest of the team will arrive on October 12. The team's mission is to assess humanitarian needs, assist with targeting and coordination of U.S. assistance, and provide technical assistance as needed.
A 23-member Contingency Support Group from MacGuire Air Force Base is en route and will be involved in planning and logistics support.
The United States Central Command will also be supplying capabilities for damage assessment to assist the Pakistani authorities.
Source: U.S. Department of State
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