| Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC November 9, 2005 U.S. Response to Pakistan's Earthquake DisasterThe 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 to this tragic disaster 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. Private Sector Engagement: At the request of the President, five distinguished private-sector leaders 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. Beginning immediately, American individuals and corporations can donate directly to a fund established to provide help to the earthquake victims. The Internet site where donations can be made to this fund is http://www.southasiaearthquakerelief.org American charitable organizations have raised $21.6 million for the relief effort. U.S. companies have committed $47.9 million in cash and in-kind contributions. America’s Contribution: To date, through USAID, the U.S. has spent close to $42 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. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are now preparing a needs assessment for presentation to the Government of Pakistan and subsequently to participants in the Conference. Over 950 American personnel are in Pakistan to assist with relief efforts. 140 U.S. military and civilian cargo airlift flights have delivered over 2000 tons of medical supplies, food, shelter material, blankets, and rescue equipment to Pakistan. American helicopters have flown over 1971 sorties delivering almost 2000 tons of relief supplies to the disaster area and transporting close to 13000 people, including over 4100 people needing medical attention. A 125 person Naval Mobile Construction Battalion is working to clear roads and debris and to build schools and other structures at camps for displaced persons. A U.S. Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) is operating in Muzaffarabad, providing urgent medical care to those injured by the earthquake, and has provided urgent medical care to more than 1,200 people injured by the earthquake. Another medical team is staging in Chaklala Air Base for deployment near Balakot in the coming days. Six U.S. military ships have delivered 115 pieces of heavy equipment and 158 tons of humanitarian assistance supplies through the port of Karachi. 2005/1064
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