Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC October 14, 2005 State Department Update on U.S. Response to Pakistan EarthquakeThis morning President Bush visited the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC to sign the book of condolences for the victims of the tragic earthquake in South Asia. President Bush promised Pakistani Ambassador Jehangir Karamat "not only will we offer our prayers, but we'll offer our help, and help this great nation get back on its feet." In Pakistan’s hour of need, the American people will continue to stand with our friends. The United States has made $50 million available for immediate aid to Pakistan. From this pledge, USAID has provided a total of $14 million to organizations providing assistance on the ground in Pakistan. We are continuing to work with the Government of Pakistan and other partners to provide humanitarian assistance to relieve suffering and minimize further loss of life. Fourteen helicopters from the U.S. are currently supporting relief operations with the Government of Pakistan, the United Nations and other relief organizations. The U.S. military is also supporting the operations of the 4 helicopters provided by the Government of Afghanistan and two from Germany. The Department of Defense will deploy close to 30 additional helicopters and other key assets in the coming days. U.S. military helicopters have now flown over 135 sorties delivering 254,080 pounds of supplies to the disaster area, and evacuated over a thousand casualties to Islamabad. U.S. cargo aircraft have now delivered approximately 450 tons of relief supplies to Pakistan. This assistance includes tents, food, water, blankets, plastic sheeting, and forklifts. Medical supplies to support the needs of 100,000 people in the affected areas for the coming 3 months will arrive over the next two days. The American people are moved by the scale of the destruction in Pakistan and are responding with generosity. American businesses and the American people, including many Pakistani-Americans, are making significant contributions to international relief organizations, with contributions already exceeding $10,000,000. We urge the American people to support the relief effort in whatever way they can. For additional details, please go to www.usaid.gov. 2005/951 |