The United States has announced the pledge of additional $100 million to continue supporting Pakistan’s recovery efforts from the devastating 2022 floods.
US Agency for International Development USAID Deputy Administrator, Isobel Coleman disclosed this when led US delegation to International Conference on Climate-Resilient Pakistan on Monday.
More than four months after Pakistan declared a state of emergency as floods swept the country, the crisis for children and families persists.
Vast areas of villages and cropland remain submerged, and 8 million people including 4 million children are still living near contaminated and stagnant floodwaters, risking their survival and wellbeing.
The rains may have ended, but the disaster is far from over. Nearly 10 million girls and boys desperately need immediate, lifesaving support, and now face a freezing winter without adequate shelter.
USAID Deputy said this funding reinforces America’s commitment to the Pakistani people and addressing the climate crisis. “When coupled with the $97 million in flood relief, disaster resilience
“And food security assistance provided in 2022 and $4.8 million in financial support from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, this brings the total U.S. commitment to date to more than $200 million”.
She explained further that this new $100 million pledge includes both new and redirected funding. “USAID is providing $79.3 million to prioritize urgently needed support for agriculture and food security, health, economic growth, education, protection, and governance.
“This funding also includes $20.7 million in State Department resources that will provide humanitarian assistance to help flood-affected Afghan refugees
“And host communities in Pakistan, and assistance that will restore damaged justice sector infrastructure including courthouses, police stations, and training facilities”.
Coleman noted that United States has a long history of standing with Pakistan when disaster strikes, helping Pakistanis recover from severe climate shocks, stave off disease, feed their families, and rebuild their lives.
“The United States recognizes Pakistan’s recovery will be a continuing process in the months and years ahead.
“We will support Pakistan in its efforts to create a more climate- resilient future for its people, including by retargeting democracy programs to strengthen governance and promote climate resilience, particularly in the agriculture sector”.
