MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will contribute $A75,000 in humanitarian assistance to help those most affected by a severe earthquake that struck the city of Nabire in Indonesia's Papua province late last month.
It is part of a broader package of assistance aimed at helping Indonesia cope with natural disasters.
The funding will be used by the International Federation of the Red Cross to provide basic shelter, health assistance and educational support for the most vulnerable families.
At least 32 people died and more than 200 were injured, many seriously, when the earthquake struck late last month. Thousands of people have been left without homes and more than 40 schools were significantly damaged, along with bridges and roads.
It is the second time this year that an earthquake has struck the area. In February an even larger quake rocked Nabire leaving more than 30 dead and 200 injured and resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure. Australia responded quickly with $A50,000 in humanitarian assistance.
The Australian funding announced today will be directed to a combined IFRC appeal, now in preparation, that will cover the needs of Nabire and the island of Alor in East Nusa Tenggara province. Alor was hit by a large quake on 12 November that claimed 23 lives. Australia announced an immediate contribution of $A50,000 to assist victims of the Alor earthquake.
Indonesian communities show resilience in the face of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters. To build on this, and to help communities better prepare for future disasters, Australia is also providing $300,000 this year to help communities build safer housing, improve early warning systems and strengthen the response capacities of the Indonesian Red Cross.
Australia is providing an estimated $160 million in assistance to Indonesia this financial year, an increase of $9 million on the previous year.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489