MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government will provide $3 million towards emergency relief and recovery efforts in communities along Bangladesh's southern coastline affected by Cyclone Sidr.
The cyclone has affected nearly 2.75 million people and latest reports from the Government of Bangladesh indicate that more than 2,000 people have died. Thousands are missing and injured, a number likely to increase substantially.
To assist relief efforts, Australia, through our international aid agency, AusAID, will contribute:
- $1 million to support the efforts of Australian NGOs working in Bangladesh for the provision of safe water and sanitation facilities, supplementary feeding for women and children, and non food items including clothes and blankets;
- $1 million through the World Food Programme (WFP) to meet immediate food needs and support recovery programs; and
- $1 million through the International Federation of the Red Cross to support the Bangladesh Red Crescent Societies' relief efforts, including basic health care and emergency sanitation.
Heavy rains over a number of days during the previous week have also resulted in serious flooding in the area in Oro and Milne Bay provinces in Papua New Guinea.
At this stage the Australian Government is pursuing a clearer indication from the PNG Government of the extent of this disaster and what if any assistance might be required.
Australia stands ready to assist.
It is clear that a number of people have died in the flooding and while media are reporting a number in excess of 70 this is yet to be confirmed.
The region has suffered substantial damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and telecommunications, making accurate reporting difficult.
The response effort is being led by the PNG national and provincial disaster agencies.
The Australian Government is working closely with other donor agencies in PNG through the UN Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs and with the PNG Government.
Media contacts: Malcolm Cole 02 6277 7500