NB BUREAU
The United States Tuesday announced USD 30 million in humanitarian aid to Pakistan as it battles one of the worst floods in the country’s history, that has has killed over 1100 people including 380 children.
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said, “We stand with Pakistan in this difficult time.”
“As Pakistan suffers from devastating flooding, the United States — through the USAID — is now providing USD30 million towards critical humanitarian assistance like food, safe water, and shelter,” he said.
The flooding has affected an estimated 33 million people and resulted in more than 1,100 deaths and over 1,600 injuries, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of State, told reporters during a conference call.
“In addition, more than one million homes have been damaged or destroyed, and nearly 735,000 livestock a major source of livelihood and food have been lost, and the flooding has damaged roads and more than two million acres of agricultural land, he said.
USAID (United States Agency for International Development) partners will use this fund to prioritise urgently needed support for food, nutrition, multi-purpose cash, safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene, and shelter assistance, he said.
A USAID disaster management specialist arrived in Islamabad on Monday to assess the impact of the floods and coordinate with partners on response efforts, he added.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life and livelihoods throughout Pakistan. We stand with Pakistan during this difficult time, and the U.S. is proud to be the single largest humanitarian donor to Pakistan,” Patel said.
(With PTI inputs)
