MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will provide immediate emergency assistance following the massive earthquake which struck two Indonesian provinces overnight.
This assistance will help in early impact assessments and to support deployment of Indonesian emergency medical teams and transport critical relief items to the affected areas.
Australia's initial contribution of $50,000 will be channelled through the Indonesian chapter of the International Red Cross.
Australia is in constant contact with the Government of Indonesia and stands ready to provide further assistance if requested.
The earthquake measuring 8.4 on the Richter Scale struck Bengkulu and West Sumatra Provinces on the island of Sumatra around six o'clock yesterday evening.
Early reports indicate five deaths and nine people injured along with extensive damage to roads, schools, houses and other infrastructure.
Communications are down in several districts slowing the flow of information, aftershocks continue in the area and a tsunami warning remains in place.
The Indonesian Government is responding and has so far not requested specific assistance.
The Indonesian Ministry of Social Welfare has deployed medical personnel, field hospital equipment, and emergency food items to the affected areas. The Indonesian Military will also deploy helicopters and hercules aircraft to provide critical transport for the emergency operation.
At this stage, there are no reports the earthquakes have affected any Australians but our Embassy in Jakarta continues to closely monitor the situation and the welfare of Australians known to be in the area.
Media contacts:
Malcolm Cole (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590