| Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC October 18, 2005 State Department Update on U.S. Response to South Asia EarthquakeThe United States remains the principal international provider of airlift capabilities to assist earthquake victims. We will continue to supplement the capabilities we are making available. Seventeen helicopters from the U.S. are currently supporting relief operations of the Government of Pakistan, the United Nations and other relief organizations. The U.S. military also is supporting the operations of the four helicopters provided by the Government of Afghanistan and two from Germany. The Defense Department expects to have over 30 helicopters operational in the coming days. U.S. military helicopters have now delivered 318 tons of humanitarian supplies and 32 tons of medical supplies to the disaster area. To supplement U.S. operations, the Defense Department now plans to airdrop relief supplies twice daily to earthquake victims in remote mountainous areas who cannot quickly be reached by ground. 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. Today USAID’s scheduled airlifts into Pakistan delivered 5,000 blankets, 5,000 water containers, 650 rolls of plastic sheeting, and 20 concrete cutting saws. The United States has made $50 million available for immediate aid to Pakistan, and from this pledge USAID has provided more than $14.7 million to organizations rendering assistance on the ground. We continue to urge the American people to support the relief effort. Because of the difficulties and complications created by sending goods directly to earthquake victims, we strongly urge private donors to contribute money to humanitarian organizations. For additional details on the relief efforts and a list of participating humanitarian organizations, please go to www.usaid.gov. |
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