President Obama’s Response to Pakistan’s Flooding

In times of crisis, the American people have always stood up in support of those in need.  President Obama has directed his Administration to stand with the Pakistani people and to assist them as they confront the worst flooding in Pakistan’s history.  You can also contribute to the response effort by using your phone to text “SWAT” to 50555 and make a $10 contribution that will help provide tents, clothing, food, clean drinking water, and medicine to people displaced by floods.

As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said earlier this month in her remarks on the flooding, “Last week’s flash floods, the worst in more than 80 years, have affected some three million Pakistanis nationwide.  An estimated 1,500 people have lost their lives, but many more are missing.  Thousands are trapped and hundreds of thousands require emergency assistance.”

The United States Government has provided food, shelter, medical supplies and other life sustaining items to help people in the flood-affected area and has pledged to provide approximately $76 million in assistance.  National Security Advisor General James Jones described the U.S. relief efforts already underway to help combat this humanitarian crisis: 

In addition, 440,928 halal meals, 12 pre-fabricated bridges, 18 rescue boats, 6 large scale water filtration units and a 25kw generator have been delivered to support flood relief efforts.  U.S. helicopters are supporting rescue efforts and have saved more than 1000 to date.  They and U.S. military aircraft, including six U.S. Army helicopters, will continue to work closely with our Pakistani allies to help evacuate stranded citizens and transport urgently needed supplies to hard hit areas.  

To further coordinate U.S. relief efforts and to assist in the assessment of the immediate response and longer term recovery needs, we have deployed additional U.S. personnel to work alongside Pakistani national and provincial disaster management officials.

The size of this disaster requires a concerted international effort to support the Pakistani response plan and the following recovery effort.  The United States stands with the Pakistani authorities as they face the difficult challenges this natural disaster poses and will continue to work with the international community to increase assistance.

In line with the deepening partnership between our two nations, the United States government will continue to assist the Government of Pakistan in their response to this crisis, and to stand with the Pakistani people in this time of crisis.

Continuing heavy monsoon rains will add to the challenges faced by the recovery in the coming days.  Visit USAID.gov for more information and to learn about other ways you can help.