WASHINGTON – The United States has announced that it will provide up to $30million for relief efforts as floods triggered by record monsoon rainswreak havoc across Pakistan.

US, a known ‘strategic partner’ of Islamabad, pledged humanitarian aid asnearly 70 districts of the South Asian nation are in calamity while allfour corners of the country are under water.

In a statement, the embassy in Islamabad said the US, through the Agencyfor International Development (USAID), will provide an additional $30million in life-saving humanitarian assistance to support people andcommunities affected by severe flooding in Pakistan.

It said Washington will prioritize urgently needed food support, safewater, sanitation and hygiene improvements, financial help, and shelterassistance, in response to the Pakistani government’s request for help inone of the toughest moments in the country’s history.

The US embassy also expressed sympathy over the loss of life, livelihoods,and homes throughout Pakistan, and assured that it will monitor the crisisin close coordination with local partners and Pakistani authorities.

Earlier in the day, a USAID disaster management official arrived in theflood-ravaged country to assess the impact of the monstrous deluges andintensify coordination with partners on response efforts.

The recent development comes as the UN issued a flash appeal for $160million to help Islamabad cope with catastrophic floods that have killedmore than 1,100 people.

The fifth most populous country received more flights being sent by thefriendly nations with relief goods for flood victims.

The Pakistani government earlier declared an emergency in the country andurged the international community for help as more than 30 million peoplewere affected by recent floods in recent weeks.