Luckily there's a pretty capable disaster response team that operates quite a few helicopters, paid for by American taxpayers....
The United States has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that began July 29. To date, approximately $76 million in assistance is being provided by the U.S. to flood-affected populations in Pakistan. We are also providing additional assistance through the expansion of pre-existing programs and humanitarian activities in flood-affected areas and mobilizing significant U.S. military resources to deliver supplies and rescue victims of the disaster. U.S. helicopters have evacuated 4,000 people and delivered 400,000 pounds of relief suppliesOur response has been consistent with our humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan. Support includes both financial assistance and the immediate provision of urgently needed supplies and services, drawing on unique U.S. capabilities and resources.
Latest Developments:
- Two additional U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and one U.S. Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter arrived at Ghazi Air Base in Pakistan today as part of the continued U.S. humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in support of flood relief efforts. The three aircraft are part of the contingent of 19 helicopters urgently ordered to Pakistan on August 11 by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
- The U.S. helicopters, which began humanitarian assistance operations in Pakistan August 5, were able to fly limited relief sorties today because of poor weather conditions. However, two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters transported 6,000 pounds of relief supplies.
Update: U.S. Response to Pakistan's Flooding Disaster