WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is furthering its commitment to local humanitarian organizations in Pakistan via the RAPID response fund. Through this fund, USAID has provided $5 million for quick-impact grants to local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) responding to the flood emergency.

To provide additional support to local humanitarian organizations, USAID has deployed support officers to Multan District in Punjab, Sukkur district in Sindh, and D.I. Khan district in southern KPk. These support officers will increase awareness of the RAPID fund - including the distribution of printed applications to those without internet access - and coordinate activities with the United Nations, international NGOs and other humanitarian organizations. The officers will also monitor and assess emergency needs, validate local capacity to respond, and assist in the funding of grants to local NGOs.

The United States has provided more than $150 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to the people of Pakistan to date. In support of the Government of Pakistan, current U.S. flood relief priorities are to reach those in inaccessible areas and provide them aid, assure the current flood emergency is not compounded by a health crisis, and utilize all appropriate U.S. Government resources efficiently and effectively.

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