ISLAMABAD, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Friday announced new grants of 13 million U.S. dollars for earthquake transition activities in Pakistan, Pakistan news agency APP reported.

    U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker announced four projects of 6.5 million dollars under the new grants that would be implemented by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

    About ten more projects will also be announced in the coming days under the new grants.

    The new projects would focus on supporting livelihood, food security, water supply and transition shelters.

    Crocker said that the new grants represents continuity of U.S. support for earthquake relief and will help the people and the government in making the transition from relief to reconstruction phase.

    Last October's earthquake left over 73,000 people dead, more than 100,000 injured and displaced an estimated 3.5 million people.

    The U.S. has pledged 510 million dollars in earthquake reconstruction.

    New USAID Mission Director in Pakistan Jonathan Addleton said the USAID and its partners would work to help stabilize and re-establish communities, making it easier for the recovery process to succeed, paying special attention to health, education and economic opportunities. Enditem