US sends aid to displaced Pakistanis

U.S. Dept of State.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (May 20, 2009) — Humanitarian aid provided by United States arrived at Chaklala Air Base near Islamabad this afternoon in response to an appeal for urgently needed basic food, shelter, and supplies for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North West Frontier Province.

The shipments, which arrived by U.S. military air transport included air-conditioned tents and more than 120,000 pre-packed halal meals. U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson delivered the supplies to Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed, the government of Pakistan's coordinator of all IDP relief operation. The Ambassador was accompanied by the U.S. Embassy's chief military officer, Admiral Michael LeFever.

"We understand the urgency of providing immediate assistance to those displaced and are committed to helping the Government of Pakistan meet their critical needs," said U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson. The United States will continue to monitor the situation and is committed to providing additional assistance as needed.

The deliveries follow yesterday's announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton that $110 million in immediate humanitarian assistance is being provided by the United States to assist IDPs. Last week, the people of the United States provided $4.9 million to purchase tents, blankets, cooking sets, jerry cans, soap, and bedding.

The United States also sent logistical equipment including generators, transformers to power water pumps, and other logistical and support equipment. This included laptop computers, rental cars, and internet connectivity to assist emergency support operations. In addition, $28 million in agricultural commodities including 50,000 metric tons of wheat valued at $16.8 million, and 6,800 metric tons of vegetable oil valued at $11.2 million was provided by the United States last week.

Source: CENTCOM.

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