U.S. Adds $60 Million for Pakistan Flood Relief

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2010 - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today pledged an additional $60 million in U.S. funding to help Pakistan battle record floods.

"With a new pledge that I am making today of $60 million, the United States will be contributing more than $150 million toward emergency flood relief" efforts in Pakistan, Clinton told the U.N. General Assembly in New York City.

Pakistan was stricken by massive flooding more than two weeks ago. On Aug. 11, the United Nations asked the world community to share in a $459 million emergency flood relief plan for Pakistan.

At that time the United States made an initial pledge of about $92 million for the U.N. flood relief plan for Pakistan, Clinton said.

"These funds are being used to provide critical supplies and support operations of the Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority and other organizations inside Pakistan," she said. "The United States is providing technical assistance and mobilizing military and civilian resources as well."

Clinton also called on the American public and corporations to support Pakistan flood relief efforts.

"Beyond our immediate response, the United States is committed to the long-term goal of working with Pakistan to improve conditions in the country," Clinton said. "We demonstrated that commitment with a multi-year $7.5 billion nonmilitary assistance package authorized by the Congress and agreed to by the president.

"We will now take some of those funds that were directed to initiatives that I announced just last month in Islamabad to support Pakistan in its reconstruction efforts," she added.