PRESS RELEASES

FACT SHEET: U.S. Response To Pakistan’s Earthquake Disaster

December 11, 2005

Islamabad, Pakistan

Islamabad - The United States stands with Pakistan in its hour of need. The U.S. has committed $510 million for earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts. The U.S. responded immediately to Pakistan’s call for relief within 24 hours after the earthquake struck, and will continue to stand with Pakistan amid ongoing earthquake relief and reconstruction. It is consistent with our humanitarian values and our commitment to a democratic ally in Pakistan.

American Contributions

• The U.S. has pledged a total of $510 million in earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts to assist the people of Pakistan and to support Pakistani government relief efforts. This total includes $300 million in humanitarian relief and reconstruction assistance, $110 million in military support for relief operations, and at least $100 million anticipated from U.S. private contributions.
• The United States’ highest priority is ensuring that earthquake victims have adequate shelter during the winter months. The United States will continue to work with the Government of Pakistan and other international donors and agencies to make sure that our assistance is getting to those who need it. For example, USAID continues to distribute winterized tents, and is now promoting shelter-in-place options to rebuild or repair homes with plastic and galvanized sheeting.

Unique Resources Committed

• Over 1,000 American personnel are in Pakistan to assist with relief efforts.
• American helicopters have flown 3,370 relief operations, delivering 5,901 tons of relief supplies to the disaster area and transporting 15,517 people, including over 4,484 people needing medical attention.
• USAID has funded eight NGO partners to provide shelter assistance for a targeted 75,439 households.
• A U.S. Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital operating in Muzaffarabad and a U.S. Combined Medical Relief Team operating in Shinkiari have provided urgent medical care to over 9,000 injured people.
• A 125-person Naval Mobile Construction Battalion has cleared debris from seven schools and continues to build support structures at camps for displaced persons.

U.S. Private Sector Commitments

• President George W. Bush has established the South Asia Earthquake Fund headed by five distinguished private-sector CEOs to spearhead private fundraising efforts. The corporate leaders are Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of the General Electric Company; Hank McKinnell, Jr., Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, Inc.; Sandy Weill, Chairman of Citigroup, Inc.; Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation; and Jim Kelly, former Chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
• To date, approximately $24 million has been pledged to this newly established fund.

To make a donation, please visit http://www.southasiaearthquakerelief.org

Source: http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/pakistan/h05121102.html