Saudi Arabia Contributes More Than $170 Million for Pakistan Flood Relief

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the government, citizens and corporations, have donated more than $170 million to the people affected by the flooding in Pakistan. This includes $70 million in humanitarian aid, such as water, food, blankets and medical supplies being transported by the air bridge established at the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

King Abdullah has also ordered the creation of two field hospitals for Pakistani flood victims. Each hospital will be equipped with 200 beds, a pharmacy, an intensive care unit, an x-ray room and an operating room. The order for the Saudi field hospitals follows reports that diseases are breaking out and that people in the affected areas are suffering from a number of water-borne illnesses.

In addition to providing needed medical supplies and clinics, King Abdullah issued a directive sending rescue teams from the Saudi Civil Defense and Border Guards to Pakistan to participate in rescue operations. The first rescue team left the Kingdom today and the second team is leaving tomorrow.

Saudi Arabia also directed the disbursement of the $100 million, which was previously allocated by the Kingdom to the United Nations for emergency and humanitarian assistance, for those affected by natural disasters in Pakistan.  

"The tremendous human tragedy currently taking place in Pakistan is one to which all human beings and nations must respond. Our prayers and thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. The potential adverse developments that are expected to take place, including dislocation and disease, must be pre-empted to avoid further casualties," said Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir. "The Kingdom, as it has since the founding of fraternal Pakistan, stands by the people of Pakistan as they confront this serious challenge which we hope they will overcome with the help of their friends in the international community."

For additional information on Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts please visit www.saudiembassy.net.

This is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.  Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office