For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 9, 2005
Statement on U.S Assistance for Earthquake in Pakistan
The destruction and loss of life in Pakistan is massive, and the United
States is responding rapidly and robustly. In response to the request of
President Musharraf and the Government of Pakistan, the United States is
providing an initial contribution of up to $50 million for relief and
reconstruction following the earthquake that struck on October 8. The
Department of Defense is also providing additional assistance and
capabilities. Pakistan's initial request includes emergency shelter,
food, water and medical supplies, transportation assets, and emergency
management personnel. We will continue to coordinate with the
government of Pakistan to assess needs.
For the many Americans who will want to make private contributions to
assist the victims of this disaster, we recommend that they contact the
American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or the League of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies at www.ifrc.org.
Following are details on the material assistance being provided as of
8:00 PM EDT, October 9.
Emergency Relief Supplies:
A C-17 U.S. military aircraft containing blankets, winterized tents, and
other relief supplies was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on October
10. A second C-17 and two C-130s are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on
October 11 and other military relief missions will follow.
On October 8, the US dispatched an initial airlift of relief commodities
to Pakistan including 250 rolls of plastic sheeting-sufficient for
approximately 2,500 families- 5,000 blankets, and 5,000 water
containers. The commodities are scheduled to arrive on October 10.
USAID/OFDA in Washington committed $1 million to be provided through the
American Red Cross in response to a Preliminary Emergency Appeal issued
by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
This was in addition to the $100,000 announced yesterday by the U.S.
Embassy in Islamabad.
Transportation Assets:
Initially, eight U.S. military helicopters (five CH-47 Chinooks and
three UH-60 Blackhawks) to assist in bringing emergency relief to
communities and villages affected by the earthquake should arrive
Monday. Some of the most severe damage from the earthquake has been
sustained in remote areas not easily accessible by road. The
helicopters will facilitate the delivery of relief supplies to these
remote areas in Pakistan.
Additional capabilities for damage assessment, heavy lift ground
equipment, and medical support are being identified and dispatched from
within the Central Command region.
Emergency Management Assistance:
A seven-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) will begin
arriving in Pakistan on October 10. The team's mission is to assess
humanitarian needs, assist with targeting and coordination of U.S.
assistance, and provide technical assistance as needed.
A 23-member Contingency Support Group from MacGuire Air Force
Base is en route and will be involved in planning and logistics support.
The United States Central Command will also be supplying
capabilities for damage assessment to assist the Pakistani authorities.