Call in US Congress to raise quake aid
Foreign Desk Report

WASHINGTON—US Congress has demanded raise in financial aid for quake-affectees in Pakistan from $50 million to $1 billion.
US Congressman Joseph Crowley in his letter said that aid of $50 million given by US for the rehabilitation of earthquake survivors is an initial step, urging Congress to increase financial aid for affectees.
He noted Pakistan is in dire need of big aid for the reconstruction of its calamity-hit areas.
Pakistan and India are US’s allies and it is the responsibility of (US) to fully help two countries in this critical time, Mr Crowley added.
US lawmaker opined that provision of shelter to quake affectees must be given priority so that they (affectees) could live in their tents before the starting of winter.
He said that precautionary measures must also be taken to prevent the spreading of diseases in affected areas.
APP adds: A US ship “Northern Light” on Monday berthed at Karachi Port and unloaded relief goods including earth moving equipment to support relief work in quake-hit areas in NWFP and AJK. This is the first ship from USA to bring in relief goods including heavy bulldozers, dump trucks, power generators, road graders, cargo trucks and fork lifts for earthquake affectees. US Consul General Ms Mary H Witt was also present on the occasion and welcomed the captain and US marines. She praised their efforts for speedily bringing in these goods on a short notice. Talking to APP, she said that it was the first ship among the many which would bring in relief goods and would join the efforts of Pakistani government in providing relief goods, supplies and equipment for the disaster-stricken areas.
She said that Pakistan government has done a good job, mobilizing resources and calling together international community, NGOs and citizens of Pakistan to provide relief to those who are suffering during the tragedy. “We are proud to be part of this effort. This ship has brought over 440 tons of relief supplies provided by the United States and handed over to the government of Pakistan for the relief of the suffering of the people in the north”, she added. She said that her government has joined the people of Karachi, people of Pakistan and the government of Pakistan to alleviate the sufferings of earthquake victims. A US Press Attache Lou Fintor said that another ship of US Navy will bring in more earth moving equipment, foods, shelter, medical supplies and emergency management personnel. He said that these relief goods were a part of more than $ 50 million relief assistance the US government had announced last week for the earthquake victims.