The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced on Tuesday an additional $30 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance to support people and communities affected by severe flooding in Pakistan.
The federal government declared the floods a national state of emergency, with 66 districts declared "distressed". "The United States is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life, livelihoods, and homes across Pakistan," an official statement said. In response to the Pakistani government's request for aid, an official statement said the US would prioritize urgently needed food aid, safe water, sanitation and hygiene improvements, financial assistance and shelter assistance. "This support will save lives and reduce suffering among the most vulnerable affected communities." The United States will continue to monitor the crisis in close coordination with local partners and Pakistani authorities, it added. A USAID disaster management specialist arrived in Pakistan on August 29 to assess the impact of the floods and intensify coordination with partners in response efforts. The US remains steadfast in its support of affected communities throughout Pakistan. In addition to the $30 million in urgently needed humanitarian aid announced today, Washington also provided more than $1.1 million in grants and project support earlier this month to ensure that direct aid reaches the most affected communities and help mitigate and prevent the consequences future floods.