MFA Press Statement: Singapore's Humanitarian Relief Assistance to Pakistan

The Singapore Government will provide a US$200,000 humanitarian relief package to Pakistan, the country worst hit by the earthquake which struck Afghanistan, Pakistan and India on 8 October 2005. The relief package comprises US$100,000 as seed money to kick-start the nation-wide appeal by the Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS) for its 'South Asia Earthquake Appeal' and US$100,000 in relief and medical supplies.

To aid in the relief and rescue operations in Pakistan, the Singapore Government has also dispatched a 44-member Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, along with three search-and-rescue dogs and a three-member SRCS damage assessment team. The DART and SRCS teams left for Islamabad in two MINDEF C-130s on 10 October 2005.

The funds raised by the SRCS' public appeal will be used to deploy aid workers to the affected region and for the purchase of emergency relief supplies.

Singapore's humanitarian assistance to Pakistan comes in response to international appeals for assistance from the Pakistan Government. The Singapore Government continues to be in contact with the relevant authorities in the earthquake-affected areas in India and Pakistan to best assist in the relief and rescue efforts.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
10 OCTOBER 2005