Pakistan floods: US announces $30 million in aid

“We stand with Pakistan during this difficult time,” said U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken. “As Pakistan suffers devastating floods, the United States is now providing $30 million through USAID for critical humanitarian humanitarian aid such as food, safe water and shelter,” he said.

The floods have affected about 33 million people, killing more than 1,100 and injuring more than 1,600, U.S. State Department chief deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters on a conference call.

“In addition, more than 1 million homes were damaged or destroyed, nearly 735,000 heads of livestock — the main source of livelihood and food — were lost, and flooding damaged roads and more than 2 million acres of farmland,” he said.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) partners will use the fund to prioritize support for much-needed food, nutrition, multipurpose cash, safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene, and housing assistance, he said.

He added that a disaster management expert from USAID arrived in Islamabad on Monday to assess the impact of the floods and coordinate the response with partners.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives and livelihoods across Pakistan. We stand with Pakistan during this difficult time, and the United States is proud to be Pakistan’s largest single humanitarian donor,” Patel said.

Several U.S. lawmakers said they were heartbroken by the devastating floods in Pakistan.

“My thoughts are with the people of Pakistan as they face these devastating floods. My deepest condolences go out to the increasing loss of life and to all those affected,” said MP, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks said.

“My heart goes out to the people of Pakistan, especially those who have lost loved ones in the recent floods. International support for shelters, clean water, healthcare and emergency services is essential. We cannot ignore the climate crisis or its impact on Lethal influence in our world,” said Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Heartbreaks for Pakistan and the global Pakistani community. This is unconscionable. Every country must declare a climate emergency and use all resources to confront our current reality. It is the responsibility of all of us to save the planet and save humanity, said Congressman Jamal Bowman.

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said the devastating floods in Pakistan were another example of the effects of climate change happening. “My prayers are with millions – and for a future where we can prevent it.”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said: “Our hearts go out to everyone in Pakistan affected by the monsoons – from the millions now displaced to the tragic loss of life of thousands.”

Congresswoman Hayley Stevens said a “global climate catastrophe” is in full swing and the United States has a big role to play in preventing it.

“Sad for the devastation we have seen in Pakistan, where heavy rains and floods have taken many lives and livelihoods this summer.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, said the damage caused by the floods was catastrophic, affecting more than 30 million people.

“America desperately needs help airlifting food and essentials to isolated and hungry people.”