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 appropriated under the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, known as the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill. The additional funding will support early recovery programs, such as rehabilitation of community infrastructure and livelihood recovery activities.

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 met 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. On Tuesday, Dr. Shah toured the ravaged Swat Valley with Gen (retired) Nadeem Ahmed, director of the NDMA. 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.

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

Click here to watch a CNN.com video on U.S. flood assistance