U.S. Response to the South Asia Earthquake

The United States announced a commitment of $156 million to Pakistan for earthquake assistance at a United Nations-sponsored donors’ conference in Geneva on October 26. The U.S. package includes commitments of $100 million for humanitarian relief and reconstruction, and $56 million to support Defense Department relief operations. America’s response has been immediate and generous, consistent with our deep commitment to Pakistan. The United States will remain active in relief and reconstruction efforts through our aid programs, unique military capabilities, and private sector efforts.

America’s Contribution

• To date, through USAID, the U.S. has spent $41.8 million of its $100 million commitment for commodities and support for relief organizations providing emergency assistance. In particular, the United States is focused on addressing the urgent need for shelter as winter sets in.
• The United States will participate in the Government of Pakistan’s Reconstruction Conference planned for November. A needs assessment is now being prepared by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for presentation to the Government of Pakistan and subsequently to participants in the Conference.

Unique U.S. Resources Committed

• Over 950 American emergency management personnel are in Pakistan to assist with relief efforts.
• 119 U.S. military and civilian cargo airlifts have delivered over 4000 tons of medical supplies, food, shelter material, blankets, and rescue equipment to Pakistan.
• American helicopters have flown over 1300 sorties delivering over 2100 tons of international relief supplies to the disaster area and evacuating close to 9000 people, including over 3900 people needing medical attention.
• A U.S. Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) is operating in Muzaffarabad, providing urgent medical care to those injured by the earthquake.
• Six U.S. military ships have delivered heavy equipment and supplies through the port of Karachi.

Private Sector Engagement

• The President announced the efforts of five distinguished private-sector leaders 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. This private-sector effort will complement the United States government’s commitment. In the coming days, they will ask Americans to donate directly to a fund set up to provide help to the earthquake victims. Private Americans have already contributed some $43 million to the relief effort.

2005/1019

Released on November 3, 2005

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