Fact Box: International Funding for Flood Relief

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The UN has rated the flood disaster as the greatest humanitarian crisis. So how are the nations of the world responding? The facts are pretty interesting.

So far the top donor of committed funds (cash in the bank) is UK, closely followed by the USA. When pledged funding is entered into the equation (funding that is promised but has not been desposited in the bank), the US shoots out to the lead by quite a margin. The chart below is made from data gathered by the Guardian.co.uk.

12 August 2010 International funding data for flood relief

Obviously, monetary funding is a vital need. But it is important to also recognize the non-monetary aid that is being given.

US provided helicopters and food aid for flood victimsUSA has also provided essential supplies in food and transportation. Dawn reports today that US Defense Minister Robert Gates has urgently ordered helicopters into the region to provide additional support to Pakistani relief efforts.

What is especially interesting to see from the facts is that some of the nations that are most vilified – those we love to hate – seem to be doing to most to help us.

In the poll of Pakistan that we wrote about recently, it was reported that 48 percent of people said that US gives little to no financial aid to Pakistan, but looking at the data, things are quite different.

In fact, the US was viewed unfavorably by 68 percent according to the poll, an only 11 percent said they view the US as a partner. China, on the other hand, is seen as a partner by 84 percent. But look at the difference in help that China has given compared to US.

None of this is to say that the US and UK are perfect friends. But it sure seems that they are some of the better friends we have. it’s easy for people to say they are your friend when you don’t need anything, but when you are in trouble – that’s when you find out who your real friends are.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Saudia Arabia has promised to give $100 Million, but I believe that announcement was made after this data and that no money has actually been received. I’m going to update this account in a few days to see how things change. But I do think you’re right that it is interesting that, even if they do give some help, it seems very late.

  2. Aid from the western nations also come in trickles
    for very obvious reason that was recently spelt in
    the newly founded agreement between Mr Gilani and
    Mr Sharif.The same fear hounded the donors from KSB who see the image of the President and his coterie more vividly than any other body.Now that the Prime Minister has invited some prominent people to form the relief committee and they are well known for their integrity.What must also be
    implemented that absolutely no interference comes
    from any quarters for this committee to progress
    in the distribution of the funds.These funds may be divided into immediate relief and intermediate
    rehabilitaion of the people affected by the floods.There is nothing late in receiving aid from
    different sources if not propagated with political
    punch? Aid today or tomorrow can be translated into effective results through honest planning and
    implementation to ensure that such disaster are reduced to the minimum if not completely.

  3. but people are dying now, later they will survive somehow. but as it is said dost wo jo museebat mey kaam aye. you are right that aid should be a continuous process to fight with such natural calamity but what about those who are dying now??
    you have criticized President, why don’t you see that UK is at top in providing funds. who brought those funds to us?? isn’t he the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan??

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