Amid devastating monsoon deluges displacing millions, the US aid extends humanitarian support, but PTI urges former leader Imran Khan to rally overseas Pakistanis for additional donations. On Saturday, September 6, 2025, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker handed over the first consignment of emergency supplies to Pakistani authorities at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, where US aid Pakistan floods 2025 includes tents, dewatering pumps, and generators to assist flood-affected communities in Punjab and beyond, following requests from the Pakistan military.
The influx of US aid Pakistan floods 2025 highlights international solidarity in addressing Pakistan’s recurring vulnerability to extreme weather events, bolstering local relief efforts while emphasising the need for enhanced regional disaster preparedness and sustainable infrastructure in South Asia to mitigate economic and human costs.
Initial US Aid Consignment Arrives Amid Escalating Crisis
The US aid Pakistan floods 2025 initiative commenced with the arrival of the first military flight on Saturday, September 6, 2025, delivering essential humanitarian supplies. According to the US Embassy in Islamabad, US military aircraft transported these items at the request of the Pakistan military to respond to the catastrophic flooding ravaging the country. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, accompanied by the Commander of US Army Central Command (ARCENT), formally transferred the goods to the Pakistan Army during a ceremony at Nur Khan Air Base.
This delivery forms part of a broader commitment, with five additional flights scheduled to bring more relief materials. The consignments, including tents for shelter, dewatering pumps for flood clearance, and generators for power supply, will be distributed through Army Flood Relief Camps to affected populations. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the aid targets flood-hit areas, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Pakistani government and people for the timely support during these challenging times.
The gesture underscores the United States’ rapid response capability, as noted by US officials. Within 72 hours of the flood escalation, the US Department of State approved monetary assistance to programme new support for over 300,000 impacted individuals, coordinating with the Government of Pakistan and humanitarian organisations. According to a State Department spokesperson, “The United States stands with the people of Pakistan, whose lives have been uprooted by widespread, catastrophic flooding. On September 5, the U.S. Department of State approved a monetary response to deliver food, shelter, and other forms of lifesaving disaster relief to impacted communities.”
Broader US Commitment to Pakistan Flood Relief
Further details on US aid Pakistan floods 2025 emerged from official announcements, revealing a multifaceted approach. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the US approved a comprehensive relief package, marking the inaugural international aid under the current administration. According to the US State Department, this funding will provide food, shelter, and emergency support in flood-ravaged regions, working in tandem with Pakistani authorities and trusted NGOs. Senior official Bethany Poulos Morrison, from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, stated, “As Americans, we understand this devastation and will be contributing lifesaving disaster relief that will deliver food and shelter to impacted communities across Pakistan.”
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has played a pivotal role, dispatching initial shipments via C-17 aircraft. This assistance aligns with ongoing coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where US delegations have reaffirmed commitments to enhance disaster response through equipment, technical expertise, and humanitarian support. Chargé d’Affaires Baker praised NDMA’s modern management model during interactions, describing it as a replicable example for the region and pledging continued collaboration for future flood preparations.
In a related development, the US Embassy highlighted the deployment of disaster response personnel to assess needs and facilitate aid delivery. This rapid mobilisation addresses the urgent requirements in areas where over 1.3 million people have been displaced and hundreds killed, as per Pakistani reports. The aid is particularly vital in Punjab, where rivers like the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab are surging due to monsoon rains and upstream inflows from India.
Domestic Relief Efforts and Calls for Additional Support
While US aid Pakistan floods 2025 provides immediate relief, domestic initiatives are intensifying. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reported that around 600,000 people and 450,000 animals have been evacuated. The Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that 41 people have died in the province, with the floods described as the biggest in history. Over 3,100 villages and 2,900 hamlets are affected, impacting 2.4 million individuals, with 900,000 relocated and 390 relief camps established.
In Sindh, spokesperson Mustafa Baloch affirmed that the government is monitoring barrages like Guddu (326,242 cusecs upstream) and Sukkur (285,487 cusecs upstream), bracing for inflows from Trimmu Barrage. Floodwaters from Punjab are expected to reach Sindh on September 2-3, 2025, as per Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.
Politically, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary committee urged former Prime Minister Imran Khan to appeal to overseas Pakistanis for donations via the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government or his charities. According to PTI leader Asad Qaiser, the international community has shown limited interest, prompting this call to support victims in Punjab and KP. He warned of crop losses leading to food imports and pressure on the Pakistani rupee next year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, and the army chief visited flood-hit areas, while the Punjab government initiated controlled breaches of flood bunds to protect cities. In Islamabad, the administration is on high alert after heavy rains, and over 250 prisoners were shifted from Gujrat Central Jail to Jhelum for safety.
Cross-border alerts from India regarding high levels at Harike and Ferozpur headworks have prompted PDMA advisories for rising Sutlej flows. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called the floods a “man-made disaster” due to encroachments, advocating for more small dams and self-accountability.
Impacts and Warnings Persist
The floods have led to exceptionally high levels at Ravi’s Balloki and Sutlej’s Ganda Singh Wala, with very high floods at Trimmu on Chenab and others. Urban flooding is anticipated in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat over the next 72 hours due to a monsoon low. At least 2,200 villages are affected, with 1.6 million impacted by Chenab floods alone, per Information Minister Azma Bokhari. PDMA forecasts very high to exceptionally high floods in major rivers.
The death toll stands at 41 in Punjab per PDMA, with national figures exceeding 800 since June, displacing millions and destroying homes and crops.
Background
Pakistan’s 2025 floods, triggered by heavy pre-monsoon rains since June, have affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir, with reservoirs like Tarbela at full capacity. This marks the third or fourth major catastrophe in 12-15 years, exacerbated by human encroachments on river paths, as highlighted by officials.
What’s Next
As the ninth monsoon spell brings more rain until September 3, 2025, authorities anticipate stabilisation, but US aid Pakistan floods 2025 will remain crucial for rehabilitation, with ongoing monitoring of river levels and dyke integrity to prevent further devastation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 12th, 2025
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