| Press Statement Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC October 6, 2006 Earthquake Relief Efforts in PakistanOn Sunday, the people of Pakistan will mark the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck northern Pakistan on October 8, 2005, killing more than 73,000 and leaving hundreds of thousands without access to shelter, food, water, and medical attention. We join the people of Pakistan during this month of Ramadan, as they mourn the tragic loss of so many innocent victims, and our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with them at this time of remembrance. Driven by the enormity of the devastation, governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and ordinary people from around the world responded with an outpouring of assistance. The United States is proud to have played a major role in both the immediate relief effort and the ongoing reconstruction effort. Over the course of five months, more than twenty U.S. Chinooks delivered over 14,000 tons of relief supplies, and evacuated hundreds of Pakistani victims. The United States has also provided more than $240 million in emergency assistance, and monetary contributions from major U.S. corporations and private citizens – including schoolchildren from across the country - has totaled more than $100 million. The United States is also committing $206 million over the next four years in earthquake reconstruction assistance as part of a five-year, $3 billion assistance program to improve Pakistan’s health and education sectors and promote good governance, security, and economic growth. These efforts are a reflection of the ongoing commitment and enduring friendship that exists between the peoples of the United States and Pakistan, and, as we join the people of Pakistan at this time of remembrance, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to working together towards a hopeful and prosperous future. 2006/898
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