The Hill News

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pressed Americans on Wednesday to donate money to flood relief efforts in Pakistan, saying she is leading by example and just made a $10 donation herself. 

“I just texted a contribution myself, because we know from our own experience, particularly in Haiti, small donations can add up to make a big difference,” Clinton told reporters on Wednesday.

“Americans have always shown great generosity to people facing crises worldwide. So I urge Americans to join this effort and send some much needed help to the people of Pakistan.”

Clinton urged people to text the word “SWAT” to the number, 50555, and reply “yes” when asked to confirm, in order to make a $10 donation to help the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

The money will be put toward providing tents, clothing, food, clean drinking water and medicine to the more than 3 million people affected by the massive flooding in the Swat Valley, Clin! ton said.

The U.S. has already committed $10 million in aid, deploying a number of “relief experts” to airlift hundreds of people out of harm’s way. The U.S. has also been working with the Pakistani government, conducting search and rescue missions, supplying the area with temporary bridges and providing water purification systems to those in need.

“This represents just the start of our efforts,” Clinton said. “We will continue to help Pakistan in the days and weeks ahead.”

The U.S. Agency for International Development is heading up the most recent efforts, Clinton said.

The Swat Valley region is a known Taliban stronghold and has been the focus of an ongoing offensive by the Pakistani government.