ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador Donald Blome on Thursday announced an additional $30 million in humanitarian assistance to support flood-affected population in Pakistan.

This new funding brings total US assistance to Pakistan this year for flood response, food security, disaster preparedness and capacity-building efforts to $97 million.

Ambassador Blome made the announcement during a visit with USAID’s implementing partner, ACTED, in Shikarpur, where he helped distribute emergency shelters, latrines and hygiene kits to flood-affected people.

He also travelled to Makhno village where emergency shelter kits are being used as temporary housing by affected families. He spoke to flood victims to learn about the impact of the disaster and understand their requirements.

According to a US embassy press release, the fresh funding will help expand efforts to address immediate needs, besides scaling up assistance to the most affected communities and enabling USAID to reach more than four million people. The US government, through USAID, will provide life-saving food, nutrition and health assistance to mitigate increased food insecurity and malnutrition resulting from the impact of floods and curb the rise of diseases resulting from stagnant floodwaters.

The funding will also provide shelters and winterisation kits to help families prepare themselves for cold weather that is approaching. Since women and girls are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters, like flooding, the US is providing increased protection support to prevent gender-based violence. Logistics support to partners will help accelerate delivery of relief assistance to those in need.

“The United States is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life and livelihoods throughout Pakistan. We stand with the people of Pakistan during this difficult time,” the press release said.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2022