US military planes have landed in Pakistan carrying much-needed relief supplies for victims of the floods.
The planes landed at Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan Army officers and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker were present to receive them.
A spokesperson from the US Embassy said that the Chargé d’Affaires expressed deep sorrow over the damage caused by the floods and extended sympathy to the affected families.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains and the release of water from Indian dams, have severely impacted Punjab province. Millions of people have been affected, with homes submerged, crops destroyed, and many families forced to leave their homes and live in relief camps.
According to a statement issued by the ISPR on Saturday, in response to the ongoing flood situation, the United States of America through Army Central Command (US ARCENT) has extended humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected people of Pakistan.
A total of six flights carrying relief consignments are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan, comprising essential items including tents, dewatering pumps and generators, said the ISPR statement.
“The first flight arrived today. The US Charge d’Affaires and Commander US ARCENT attended the reception of the initial consignment and formally handed over the relief goods to the Pakistan Army. The consignments will be moved to Army Flood Relief Camps for onward distribution among the flood-affected people,” it further said.
The government and people of Pakistan are thankful to the US Government and Military for standing by the affected population of Pakistan in these testing times.
Natalie Baker visits NDMA Emergency Operation Center
Later, the US Central Command and Disaster Response Group, led by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, visited the National Emergency Operations Center of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
During the visit, US State Department Disaster Expert Ivana Vuko and her team also attended a briefing.
The two-day consultative meeting discussed natural disaster preparedness and the negative impacts of climate change.
NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik briefed the delegation on the NEOC’s scope of competence, early warning system and international cooperation, while also apprised them of the joint preparedness strategy with countries in the region through exercises.
Search and rescue operations, flood warnings and the use of modern technology were also highlighted in the briefing.
On the occasion, Natalie Baker described the NDMA’s disaster management model and initiatives as exemplary for the region, while the US assured Pakistan of continuing to support Pakistan in the 2025 floods through relief supplies, technical experts and welfare organizations.
Lieutenant General Patrick Frank appreciated the key role of NEOC and the US delegation reiterated its commitment to increasing cooperation in disaster relief and joint mock exercises.
Reporters Ahmad Mansoor and Rozina Ali