MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the Australia will provide a further $430 000 to assist thousands of families in Vietnam to restore their lives after the devastation of Cyclone Linda on 2 November.
This in addition to $300 000 announced last week in response to an international appeal by the Government of Vietnam.
Australian assistance, being provided by AusAID, is targeting the people of the far southern provinces following assessments by Australian Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) revealing the severity of the damage. Tens of thousands of families are without shelter, 452 people are reported dead and over 3000 are missing.
Our relief efforts will be carried out by World Vision Australia, CARE Australia and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia, who will provide a range of assistance including rice, blankets for homeless people and mosquito nets to prevent malaria.
CARE Australia's relief project will provide 6000 households in Ca Mau province with emergency packs comprising iron roofing sheets, blankets and mosquito nets.
World Vision is assisting more than 3000 people in Ngoc Hien district including distributing latrines. The agency will train staff in hygiene and sanitation and will also use Australian funds to restore two community health stations destroyed in the storms.
Assistance will also be provided to rebuild the economies of coastal villages engaged in shrimp production and fishing. ADRA Australia will also provide small boats, nets and fishing cages so villagers can resume work. Relief staff will also help rehabilitate damaged rice paddies and shrimp farms.
The relief agencies are working closely with local organisations and women's group to deliver assistance to the most destitute. Australian NGOs will also run training courses to strengthen the capacity of local organisations to respond to disasters.
Media contacts:
Innes Willox (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 / 0411 414 695
Michelle Hardy (AusAID) 02 6206 4968