Islamabad, August 24, 2010 – Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), arrived in Pakistan Tuesday to consult with the Government of Pakistan on the extensive U.S. response to the country’s devastating floods.

Dr. Shah is the most senior U.S. official to travel to the country since the floods began last month. This is Dr. Shah’s third trip to Pakistan in five months. While in Pakistan, he will meet with senior government officials, key representatives from Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and leadership from the United Nations and other disaster response organizations.

Under Dr. Shah’s leadership, USAID is coordinating extensively with other U.S. agencies to expand pre-existing programs in flood-affected areas, and to mobilize significant U.S. civilian resources to help rescue victims of the disaster and deliver needed supplies. The efforts underscore the U.S. commitment to strengthen its partnership with the Pakistani people and government for long-term reconstruction of the country.

The United States responded immediately and generously to Pakistan’s call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that began July 29. To date, the United States is providing approximately $150 million to support relief efforts in Pakistan, including funding for the operations of the NDMA, the United Nation’s emergency relief plan, and the many local and international organizations responding to this disaster. The U.S. also is providing millions of dollars of additional in-kind and technical assistance.

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 about USAID's Pakistan flood response, visit transition.usaid.gov/pakistanflooding.