Islamabad, August 25, 2010 - Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), today announced the U.S. is providing $50 million to assist the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the country's flood disaster.

Dr. Shah made the announcement in Sukkur after arriving aboard a U.S. C-130 relief flight carrying plastic sheeting that will help provide shelter for flood-affected families. While in Sukkur, Dr. Shah visited the Sukkur Barrage which was partially breached in the floods, discussed relief efforts with local officials, spoke with flood-affected families and visited a health clinic.

The $50 million will be provided for early recovery efforts from funds provided by Congress last month as authorized under the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, known as the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act. The additional funding will support early recovery programs, such as rehabilitation of community infrastructure and livelihood recovery activities.

People in the United States who wish to contribute to the effort are asked to text the word "FLOOD" to 27722. Each text will donate $10 to the Pakistan Relief Fund established by the State Department, helping to provide emergency aid to displaced families.

For more information about USAID's emergency response program in the aftermath of the flooding in Pakistan, please visit: www.usaid.gov.