MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS STEPHEN SMITH AND BOB MCMULLAN MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
The Australian Government will provide $6.5 million to help Bangladeshi communities recover from Cyclone Sidr, which caused widespread devastation in November.
This assistance is in response to continuing needs and calls to the international community for relief and recovery support.
Through AusAID, Australia's overseas aid agency, we will provide $4 million through the World Food Programme (WFP) for rice and cooking oil to support food needs and recovery programs.
We will also provide $1.5 million for food, medical and antenatal care for women and children; sanitation facilities; rehabilitation of destroyed and damaged schools and replacement of school supplies.
A further $1 million will be provided to UNICEF for nutrient-fortified food for pregnant and nursing mothers and infants.
This announcement follows Australia's initial contribution of $3 million for emergency relief, bringing our response to Cyclone Sidr to $9.5 million.
Cyclone Sidr affected nearly nine million people and latest reports from the Government of Bangladesh indicate that more than 3,300 people have died and over 800 people are still missing.
About 1.5 million homes and one million hectares of crops have been destroyed or damaged and authorities continue to face difficulties in providing urgently needed food and other essential items.
Media Contact: Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's Office) 0400 318 205
Andrew Dempster (Mr Smith's Office) 0407 435 157
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590