Contact: Carol Miller Media line: 1-202-303-5551 millerca@usa.redcross.org FOR MEDIA ONLY

AMERICAN RED CROSS SENDS RELIEF WORKER TO PAKISTAN

Manhattan resident answers call for relief aid after flooding and cyclones hit western Pakistan

Travis Betz, a member of the Greater New York Chapter of the American Red Cross, will be deployed as a Field Assessment and Coordination Team (FACT) member to Baluchestan, Pakistan and surrounding flood areas this evening to provide aid on behalf of the American Red Cross. The Baluchestan area is one of the poorest areas in Pakistan, and was hit hardest by the cyclones and floods in Pakistan over the past weeks.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Pakistan Red Crescent teams, who were among the first responders, estimate that at least 800,000 people have been affected by the flooding, including hundreds of thousands left without homes. Initial responders have already begun the distribution of 7,500 food packs (each pack feeds a family of seven for a week), and 2.1 tons of medical supplies.

Betz will be available for interviews this evening at JFK Airport, and as means of communication allow from the field

WHO: American Red Cross International Relief Worker Travis Betz

WHAT: Four-week deployment as a Red Cross/Red Crescent Field Assessment and Coordination Team (FACT) Delegate in response to cyclones and floods in and around Baluchestan, Pakistan

WHERE: JFK Airport, New York

WHEN: International flight departs at 11 p.m. July 3, Eastern Standard Time.

Editorial Note: To contact Travis Betz, or a spokesperson from the American Red Cross National Headquarters, contact Carol Miller (listed in contacts above).

You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.

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