USA Announces $1 million Disaster Relief Aid Package to Pakistan

According to the US Embassy in Pakistan, the US announced a disaster aid package worth USD 1 million for Pakistan to address natural disasters such as the ongoing flooding. The grant was announced by US Ambassador Donald Blome to Pakistan during a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in Karachi.

According to the US ambassador, the humanitarian assistance, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will strengthen agricultural communities in Sindh Province and assist Pakistan's disaster management authorities in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces in better responding to future disasters.

Blome stated that the American people stood by the people of Pakistan during this difficult time, adding, "Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones in the floods across Pakistan and who are also dealing with recovery efforts."

"We are honoured to contribute to Sindh communities' resilience so that they will be better prepared to face such disasters in the future." We remain committed to assisting Pakistan in its recovery and rebuilding as soon as possible."

Heavy rains and floods have devastated parts of Pakistan's provinces, claiming many lives and destroying many homes. According to Geo News, Sindh's chief minister briefed the US ambassador on the losses and damage caused by the heavy rain, adding that the heavy rain had severely damaged eight districts out of three divisions in Sindh.

"Overall, 723 days were affected, with 548 different roads stretching over 2,135.4 kilometres, 45 bridges, 32 shops, 22,817 partially and 4,520 completely damaged, 974 livestock perished, and crops over an area of 676,484 acres washed away," said Sindh's Chief Minister.

According to Murad Ali Shah, heavy rains have claimed 130 lives, including 54 men, 11 women, and 65 children, while 422 people have been injured. Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, expressed gratitude to the US government for its efforts, through USAID, to strengthen Pakistan's disaster management capabilities and work with Sindh communities most vulnerable to natural disasters.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecast thunderstorms with "heavy" to "very heavy" rain and strong winds in several parts of Sindh over the next two days on Friday. Thunderstorms with a few heavy to very heavy falls and occasional strong winds are expected in parts of Pakistan until August 14, with occasional gaps.

Rainfall is also expected to increase in the north-eastern and southern districts of Balochistan, potentially causing flash floods in the Dadu, Jamshoro, and Kambar Shahdadkot districts and downstream.

Furthermore, heavy rains in the Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Hub districts, as well as the Kirthar mountain range, may put additional strain on the Hub and Thaddo dams and downstream areas. During the forecast period, heavy rains may cause waterlogging and urban flooding in low-lying areas, according to the Dawn.