President Barack Obama expressed condolences to flood-ravaged Pakistan on Tuesday as the United States increased humanitarian aid to help deal with the disaster which has killed more than 1,400 people. "The president is being kept fully informed on the evolving situation," said Mike Hammer, spokesman for the White House National Security Council. "Our relationship with Pakistan goes far beyond our shared commitment to fight extremists," he said.
Pakistans civilian government has been criticized at home for its response to the disaster, which has ravaged the northwest and displaced more than a million people. The head of the US Agency for International Development, Rajiv Shah, said the United States had rushed in food, clean water and rescue supplies as part of an initial $10 million pledge for immediate assistance. "We stand by the people of Pakistan in their time of need and are working with the Pakistani government to learn what assistance we can best provide," he said.
US helicopters have been used to airlift 733 people to safety, the State Department said, and helped transport tons of food to flood victims. Americans are also contributing to flood relief for Pakistan by texting the word "SWAT" to the number 50555, said the State Department. Each text results in a $10 donation to the UNs Pakistan Flood Relief Effort to provide tents and emergency aid to displaced families.