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U.S. accelerates flood relief in Pakistan

By U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, Pakistan

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On July 31, a U.S. Air Force C-130H delivered international assistance to Islamabad, Pakistan, in response to catastrophic monsoon flooding. This was the first of numerous deliveries to occur over the next few days.

ISLAMABAD (July 31, 2010) – The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson, today announced that the U.S. government is continuing to send assistance for flood relief efforts in the country.

“The United States supports Pakistan’s emergency relief efforts on behalf of people affected by recent monsoon floods,” said Ambassador Patterson.

In response to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority’s specific request for the following assistance, the U.S. is providing:

Four Zodiac inflatable rescue boats, which are designed and built for lightness and speed on rapidly flowing waters;
Two water filtration units, which provide pumping, purification, storage and distribution. Each unit can fulfill the daily water requirements of up to 10,000 people;
An initial delivery of more than 50,000 halal meals from U.S. supply depots in the region. The meals are being delivered to Pakistan’s military for distribution in flood-stricken areas. In addition, arrangements are being made to deliver more halal meals to Pakistan in the coming days; and
Twelve pre-fabricated steel bridges that can temporarily replace highway bridges damaged by flooding in Peshawar and Kurram Agency. The Provincial Government and Pakistan’s military are coordinating their efforts to ensure the use of these bridges.

Friday, the U.S. provided helicopters to support the Ministry of Interior’s rescue operations. The MOI 50^th Squadron has been able to rescue more than 400 people isolated by the flood waters. Food and water also has been ferried to people still not able to leave the flood areas. Helicopter operations are continuing today.

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