Defining moment for U.S. and the world to help 20 million members of the human family victimized by incomprehensible flooding in the worst disaster in Pakistan’s history. Donate by sending $10 through your mobile phone by texting the word FLOOD to 27722.
U.S. leads Relief Efforts
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced today the establishment of the Pakistan Relief Fund and called on all Americans to help:
“And now is a time for our shared humanity to move us to help. We see 20 million members of the human family in desperate need of help. This is a defining moment - for Pakistan, and for all of us.”
Since August 5th U.S. helicopters have rescued 6,300 Pakistanis and delivered over 1,000,000 pounds of food and relief supplies. U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said the U.S. has been the only country so far to get helicopters into Pakistan and there are currently 21 U.S. military and civilian aircraft supporting flood relief operations.
“We want to be the first, with the most assistance,” U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke said. “And we have.”
To date, the United States has provided $150 million to support relief efforts in Pakistan, including funding for the operations of the Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority, the UN’s emergency relief plan, and the many local and international organizations responding to this disaster.
Unlikely Heroes
According to Naveen Naqvi in The Huffington Post, though appreciation is more often hard won by the US in Pakistan, the delivery of much-needed transport and food aid has been praised by the media.
Naveen contrasts the U.S. relief effort to the disappointing response by the Muslim world, of whom only Turkey, Kuwait and the UAE provided immediate pledges of support. After much criticism, Saudi Arabia finally announced $105 million in aid on August 18, nearly three weeks after the floods hit.
What I personally found ironic is how Saudi Arabia will not hesitate to write a check to fund an extremist Wahhabi madrassa in Pakistan that molds future suicide bombers, but drag their feet in giving cash that will directly save the lives of flood victims. It is interesting that Saudis seemingly only like funding endeavors that kill their fellow Sunni brothers and sisters.
Overall, global relief has been shameful. Studies show that $742 million were committed to Haiti within the first ten days of the earthquake while less than $45 million were committed to Pakistan’s historic crisis - nearly 20X less.
Donate to the Pakistan Relief Fund
The Department of State has established the Pakistan Relief Fund for all Americans to join in the tremendous relief, recovery and reconstruction effort. Ms. Clinton said in a video clip on the Department of State website:
“And now is a time for our shared humanity to move us to help. Americans have always shown great generosity to others facing crises around the world. And I call on you to do what you can. Every dollar makes a difference. $5 can buy 50 high energy bars providing much needed nutrition; $10 can provide a child or mother with a blanket; and about $40 can buy material to shelter a family of four.”
Go to www.state.gov/pakistanflooding OR Send $10 through your mobile phone by texting the word FLOOD to 27722.
A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for flood response efforts in Pakistan can be found at www.interaction.org. Information about organizations responding to the humanitarian situation in Pakistan may be available at www.reliefweb.int.
LATEST PAKISTAN FLOOD COVERAGE:
Pakistan floods: Food riots erupt in Sindh (Video / Photos)
Pakistan floods: On the brink of a 'second wave of death' (photos)
Pakistan floods: Zardari could be overthrown as nation starves (photo essay)
India finally offers flood aid to Pakistan after 'baffling' delay
Taliban urges Pakistan government to refuse U.S. aid for flood victims
Pakistan floods: President Zardari tops Bush in crisis mis-management
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