Islamabad, 3 September 2022 (TDI): United States Agency for the International Development (USAID) Mission Director Reed J. Aeschliman accompanied Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto, on an aerial visit to flood-ravaged areas of Sindh, Baluchistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Moreover, on this visit, other diplomats and members of international organizations also joined them. This was shared in a tweet by USAID Pakistan’s official twitter account.
MD Reed Aeschliman joined foreign minister Bilawal on an aerial visit of Sindh, Balochistan & KP with other diplomats to oversee the flood situation. @ndmapk briefed diplomats regarding flood disaster, rescue & relief measures being undertaken to tackle the natural disaster. pic.twitter.com/8NVzQ7r0Q8
— USAID Pakistan (@USAID_Pakistan) September 1, 2022
Adding to that, the purpose of this visit was to monitor the scale of destruction. Witnessing the actual scenario will make it easier to comprehend the kind of help needed in different areas and raise funds.
During this visit, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also briefed the flood relief missions of the visiting dignitary.
Background
Previously, USAID had announced an additional $30 million in humanitarian assistance for food, shelter, safe sanitation, and better hygiene conditions for the flood victims.
Adding to that, the schools built by USAID in Sindh after the 2010 floods are also used during the current disaster as emergency shelters for the flood-affected people.
Furthermore, the US through USAID had also announced $100,000 for the flood in Baluchistan on the 19th of August.
Along these lines, USAID has never been reluctant in helping Pakistan during times of trials.
Damage due to Floods
More than 1,000 people are dead due to the devastating flood, over 1,600 people are injured, millions are homeless, the infrastructure is damaged, roads, bridges, and buildings have vanished, and one-third of the country is underwater.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also mentioned that a 100km wide inland lake has emerged in Sindh because of this flood. It has covered a huge chunk of dryland in Sindh. He further added that these floods have destroyed the agricultural land, leading to more poverty in the region.
Lastly, National and International Organizations are working day and night to help the flood victims to the best of their ability. This aerial visit will further guarantee a better mobilization of foreign assistance to deal with this natural disaster.
