U.S. pledges $10 million for flood relief in Thailand

The United States is doling out $10 million in aid package for flood-hit Thailand. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced this news during her visit to express support to the long-standing U.S. ally.

Clinton had visited the region to participate in a Southeast Asian summit in Bali, Indonesia. "During the past century we have stood by each other in times of challenge and we are proud to stand by you now in this time of challenge, as you contend with the worst floods in your nation's history," the Time quoted her as saying on Wednesday in a news conference with the Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. She said the U.S. the assistance was meant "to save and restore lives and to support Thailand's long-term rebuilding and recovery." She added that teams were currently assessing how best to help. Clinton had met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as flooding continued to affect areas around Bangkok, the capital. Good news The water in the capital is reportedly receding with authorities saying all main streets will be dry in two weeks. The seeming good news comes after months of floods left over 500 people dead across Thailand. According to the Times, the flooding which hit most of northern and central Thailand reportedly affected over one-fifth of the country's 64 million people, scaring away tens of thousands of tourists. A Digital Journalist previously reported on his personal experience dealing with flooding in his area.