Obama vows help for flood-hit Pakistan; more US aircraft to assist aid

President Barack Obama has sent his condolences to the families of the victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan, the White House said on Tuesday, pledging to support the South Asian friend in its challenging relief and rescue effort. The President is being kept fully informed on the evolving situation and the potential impact to well over one million Pakistani citizens, Michael Hammer, National Security Council Spokesman said. The President recognizes the importance of allies helping allies in times of need, the spokesman said as massive monsoon flooding reportedly claimed more than 1400 lives, afflicting millions with misery and damaging infrastructure and property over large swathes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Azad Kashmir. Our relationship with Pakistan goes far beyond our shared commitment to fight extremists. The United States government stands ready to continue to assist Pakistani authorities address the difficult challenges posed by this natural disaster, Hammer said. In addition to announcing an initial amount of $10 million in aid to meet urgent requirements for meals, shelter, clean water and other life sustaining needs, the United States has provided nearly 190,000 meals, 12 pre-fabricated bridges, four rescue boats, and mobile water treatment units to support the humanitarian effort. Spokesman Hammer said the Obama Administration was immediately in contact with the Government of Pakistan to coordinate its support of their response effort and to ensure aid reaches those who need it most as quickly as possible, Hammer said, referring to quick American response to the U.S. helicopters are assisting the Ministry of Interior’s rescue operations and have been able to rescue more than 730 people and transported more than 11,000 pounds of aid to victims trapped by flood waters. More U.S. aircraft will be made available to help transport and deliver additional critical humanitarian assistance being sent today and in the days to come, he added.