U.S. Delivers More Than 1 Million Pounds in Pakistan Flood Relief

From a U.S. Central Command News Release

Aug. 20, 2010 - U.S. military aircraft supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts achieved a significant milestone today, exceeding 1 million pounds of relief supplies delivered since Aug. 5, when U.S. military relief flight operations in Pakistan began.

To date, U.S. military helicopters and C-130 aircraft have transported 1,164,470 pounds of relief supplies in partnership with the Pakistani military throughout flood-affected areas, delivering much-needed aid and providing transport to people who urgently need emergency assistance.

"We're honored to partner together, side by side with the Pakistan military and government, helping Pakistanis in their time of need," said Navy Vice Adm. Michael A. LeFever, U.S. defense representative to Pakistan. "The courage and discipline displayed by the Pakistani military during this crisis has been truly impressive."

Within hours of receiving the Pakistani government's urgent request, U.S. military helicopters began conducting relief flights Aug. 5 and have since transported 849,170 pounds of aid and rescued 5,372 people. Meanwhile, U.S. military C-130 cargo aircraft based in Afghanistan began providing airlift support to Pakistan on Aug. 16 and have since delivered 315,300 pounds of relief supplies to multiple locations throughout the country.

In addition to airlift support, within 36 hours of the initial flooding on July 29, the U.S. military began delivering thousands of packaged meals that conform with Islamic law to Pakistan from U.S. stocks in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the region. In all, 436,944 meals were provided to civilian and military officials in Pakistan for distribution to Pakistanis in need.

"The ability of the U.S. government to respond so quickly to this disaster at the request of the government of Pakistan is a testament to the unique capabilities of the U.S. military and the U.S. commitment to helping the Pakistani people," LeFever said. "Pakistanis are our friends and partners, and we will continue to support them during this challenging time."

Flood relief support to Pakistan from the United States is being provided through a whole-of-U.S. government, interagency response. Relief efforts are being coordinated through the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, in full consultation with the Pakistan government, including Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority and other agencies.

The latest information on U.S. government support to Pakistan's flood relief is available on the U.S. Embassy Islamabad website.