U.S. Response To Pakistan's Earthquake Disaster

• The United States responded immediately and generously to Pakistan’s call for assistance following the tragic and devastating earthquake of October 8. Our response has been consistent with our humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan.
  
• At the Reconstruction Conference in Islamabad on November 19, 2005, the leader of the American delegation, USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios announced an increase in the overall U.S. commitment to Pakistan for relief and reconstruction to a total of $510 million.
  
• This includes $300 million in assistance from USAID, $110 million in military in-kind support for relief operations, and, at least $100 million anticipated from U.S. private contributions.
  
• The United States will remain active in relief and reconstruction efforts through our humanitarian assistance programs, unique military capabilities, and private sector efforts.

Unique U.S. Resources Committed:

• Over 1200 American personnel are in Pakistan to assist with relief efforts.
  
• American helicopters have flown almost 2500 sorties delivering almost 4300 tons of relief supplies to the disaster area and transporting almost 17000 people, including over 4300 people needing medical attention.
  
• Over 178 U.S. military and civilian cargo airlift flights have delivered about 1900 tons of medical supplies, food, shelter material, blankets, and rescue equipment to Pakistan. U.S. ground support personnel in Pakistan have unloaded a total of over 5800 tons of relief supplies from U.S. and other aircraft.
  
• A 125 person Naval Mobile Construction Battalion is working to clear debris and to build support structures at camps for displaced persons.
  
• A U.S. Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital operating in Muzaffarabad has provided urgent medical care to more than 2300 injured people. A U.S. Marine medical team began treating patients in Shinkaria November 15.
  
• Nine U.S. military and commercial ships have delivered 115 pieces of heavy equipment, 34 containers of supplies and 176 tons of humanitarian assistance through the port of Karachi.

Private Sector Engagement:

• Five distinguished private-sector leaders, supported by The President, have agreed to undertake a nationwide effort to encourage private donations for relief and reconstruction in response to the South Asia earthquake. These 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.
  
• Three of these CEOs traveled to Pakistan on November 14 in a Presidential Delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes. The delegation surveyed the disaster area, met with President Musharraf and Prime Minister Aziz and renewed the U.S. commitment to provide assistance.
  
• American individuals and corporations are donating directly to a fund established to provide help to the earthquake victims as well as to other charities. The Internet site where donations can be made to the newly-established fund is http://www.southasiaearthquakerelief.org
  

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