WASHINGTON: The United States announced $30 million in humanitarian assistance for Pakistan where over the past two months, the heaviest rainfall on record has inundated vast swathes, devastating cities and farmland.
Through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the government — which has declared a national emergency in the wake of the floods — is leading the response in coordinating assessments and directing humanitarian relief to affected people.
“We stand with Pakistan during this difficult time, and the US is proud to be the single largest humanitarian donor to Pakistan,” Vedant Patel, a deputy spokesperson for the State Department, told his daily press briefing.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life and livelihoods throughout Pakistan,” he added.
“As Pakistan suffers from devastating flooding, the United States—through@USAID—is now providing $30 million towards critical humanitarian assistance like food, safe water, and shelter. We stand with Pakistan in this difficult time.” – Secretary Blinken https://t.co/Fejy4C3j9i
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) August 31, 2022
Over 1,100 people have been killed, and early estimates put the costs at $10 billion. One-third of the country is underwater; the government has declared 72 out of 160 districts to be disaster zones.
In addition to flood-related deaths and injuries, Patel observed that more than one million homes have been damaged or destroyed, and nearly 735,000 livestock — a major source of livelihood and food in flood-hit cities — have been lost.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) partners will use the funds 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, Patel added.
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Several US lawmakers have expressed sympathies with the Pakistani people over their plight amid raging floods.
A member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Jim Risch, said: “My thoughts are with Pakistan as it contends with deadly and devastating flooding. Vicki and I are praying for the victims, their families, and all those affected by this disaster.”
Congressman Gregory Meeks, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said: “My thoughts are with the people of Pakistan as they face these devastating floods. I extend my deepest condolences for the mounting loss of life and to all those affected.”
Senator Robert Menendez, who heads the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said: “My thoughts are with the people of Pakistan, especially those who lost loved ones to recent floods. International support for shelter, clean water, healthcare & emergency services is crucial. We cannot afford to ignore the climate crisis or its deadly impact on our world.”
“Heartbroken for Pakistan and the global Pakistani community. This is unconscionable. Every nation must declare a climate emergency and move every resource toward responding to our current reality. It’s on all of us to save the planet and save humanity,” Congressman Jamaal Bowman said.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said the devastating flooding in Pakistan is yet another example that the effects of climate change are happening right now. “My prayers are with the millions of people suffering — and for a future where we can prevent it.”
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said: “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the monsoons in Pakistan — from the millions who have now been displaced to the thousands who have tragically lost their lives.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, said the flooding devastation is catastrophic with over 30 million people impacted.
“It’s urgent that the United States offers to help with possible airlifts of food and necessities to isolated and starving people.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan-born Americans continue to donate generously to help their compatriots in Pakistan.
