On Monday, two aircraft flew in to Karachi with the material from a warehouse in Pisa, Italy courtesy the US Agency for International Development (USAID). It is enough to provide temporary shelter to over 45,000 homeless people in flood-hit areas. Each roll of sheeting weighs about 68kg and is usually cut into 10 pieces.
The sheets are fire retardant and waterproof. One side is white to reflect the sun and keep a shelter cool and the other side is beige, to absorb the sun and keep a shelter warm. The sheets worked so well in the aftermath of the earthquake that some of them are still in use.
The materials flown in to Karachi so far represent a donation of almost $300,000 from the American people. The consignment was received by US Consul General William Martin and Miriam Lutz of USAID.
An earlier consignment that arrived Sunday night has already been despatched to the affected areas. So far, the US has donated shelter of over 115,000 Pakistanis.
“More assistance is coming,” Martin said at the Karachi airport. “We expect another flight of relief supplies by Tuesday in Karachi.’’
The Americans have so far committed $76 million, which is being provided to international organisations and Pakistani NGOs to provide food, healthcare and shelter for the displaced. Bridges, boats and heavy equipment was also provided to Pakistan to assist in rescue and open relief routes.
US soldiers, sailors and marines have rescued thousands of Pakistanis and are providing food to hundreds of thousands.
“The United States responded from a deep commitment to Pakistan and an unwavering belief in our humanitarian values,” said Martin. “I want to assure the people of Pakistan, assure the people of Sindh, that the United States will stand by you as this tragedy unfolds. Be assured that American assistance will continue long after the initial catastrophe. Our commitment to Pakistan is long-term.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2010.
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