MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will provide an initial $1 million to respond to the immediate and ongoing needs of communities affected by the Indonesian earthquake.
AusAID is in close contact with Indonesian officials and international partners to assess urgent priorities, and Australian funding will be provided where it is needed most.
This new funding will provide for things such as shelter, food, clean water and medical care to people still struggling to put their lives back together after the disaster of 26 December.
We have already dispatched a five-person Australian medical team from Banda Aceh to the Indonesian island of Nias to assist with urgent medical care.
Early reports put the number of fatalities at between one and two thousand. The earthquake occurred at 2.10 am AEST and measured 8.7 on the Richter Scale and two subsequent aftershocks measured 6.0 and 6.7.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's Office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590