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.

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