Released by the U.S. Agency for International Development
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Andrew Natsios visited the Mehra Tent Camp in the devastated Allai Valley of Pakistan today. Natsios met Pakistani military officials and local village elders and children as he toured the camp and promised continued U.S. support for the victims of the October 8th earthquake. Natsios is in Islamabad to lead the U.S. delegation to the Government of Pakistan's Reconstruction Conference.
Natsios handed out books to school children provided by the U.S. government and heard stories from quake victims who lost family members and whose homes were destroyed.
"President Bush and the American people remain absolutely committed to the relief and reconstruction of Pakistan. From the first hours and days after the earthquake struck, USAID has been on the ground moving humanitarian assistance to the Pakistani people," said Natsios. "I have told the people I've met that the United States remains focused on the urgent needs of the Pakistani people as winter approaches and that we stand as a friend in the long term reconstruction of your country."
To date, the U.S. government has committed $180 million for Pakistan earthquake assistance, including $100 million for humanitarian relief and reconstruction, and $80 million obligated by the U.S. military to support relief operations.
USAID has spent more than $50.2 million of its $100 million commitment for commodities and relief assistance through the U.N. and other international organizations.
The Mehra Tent Camp, which sits on the banks of the Indus River in the Allai Valley, is temporary shelter for more than 4,300 people, the majority of whom are children. USAID, through its implementing partners, is meeting a diverse set of needs at the camp. Approximately 350 families have received one-week food rations, and all camp residents will receive monthly food rations throughout the winter months. USAID is funding the construction of 40 communal kitchens, complete with 400 cooking stoves. Through an implementing partner, USAID is providing short-term employment opportunities for camp residents. USAID is funding teacher training and needed livelihoods programs in the camp, and USAID plans to assist with providing essential health services to camp residents.
After leaving the camp, Natsios, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker, toured the earthquake-affected area by helicopter, flying over the especially hard hit cities of Muzaffarabad and Balakot.
The Government of Pakistan estimates more than 73,000 people were killed, more than 69,000 were injured and 2.8 million people left homeless by the earthquake.
For information on giving visit: www.southasiaearthquakerelief.org.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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