Statement regarding CENTCOM support and USAID aid to Pakistan

TAMPA, Fla. - United States Central Command is transporting humanitarian commodities from USAID's warehouse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan to meet the immediate needs of people affected by the floods. C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft will transport the supplies over the course of the coming days on approximately 20 different flights.

The Department of Defense (DoD) U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has begun airlifting critical life-saving humanitarian supplies in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) response to the devastating floods affecting 33 million people in Pakistan.

The United States is deeply saddened for the people affected by these floods and will continue to stand with communities in Pakistan during this difficult time. "We are working closely with USAID to support their critical mission to provide some measure of relief to the people of Pakistan." - General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Commander, United States Central Command

Since mid-June, severe flooding, as well as landslides and glacial lake outbursts, have affected 33 million people, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people, injured an estimated 12,700 individuals, and killed approximately 750,000 livestock, a major source of livelihoods and food. The Department of Defense is working closely with USAID to transport critical relief supplies to Pakistan.