Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Wednesday committed two military planes to assist relief efforts in Pakistan, saying Australians wanted to help those facing catastrophic floods. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft, which will deliver emergency supplies, are in addition to the 10 million dollars (9.04 million US) in aid Australia had already committed, she said.
"Many Australians are deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian crisis as the rains continue," Gillard said in a statement. The floods have left six million people dependent on humanitarian help for their survival, according to the United Nations, which has estimated that 1,600 people have died as a result of the rains.
Gillard said the unfolding disaster in Pakistan required a global response and Australia was committed to helping the country recover and rebuild. "As Pakistan's needs become clearer, Australia will consider what further assistance to provide," the prime minister said.