US offers new aid to flood-hit Pakistan

WASHINGTON - The US Monday announced an additional $261 million in aid to help Pakistan in its relief and rehabilitation efforts following devastating floods in the country.

The US State Department said the aid includes $211 million to support immediate relief efforts in Pakistan, and an additional $50 million to assist in rebuilding communities affected by the floods, Xinhua reported.

In addition, “the US has also provided civilian and military assistance in the form of meals, steel bridges and other infrastructure support, as well as air support to and within Pakistan to transport goods and rescue people at an approximate value of $40 million,” the State Department said in a statement.

US aircraft have so far evacuated over 13,000 people from the flood-hit areas, the statement said. Over 1,750 people have died due to the calamity.