MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
McMullan
Today I announce that Australia will help survivors of flooding and landslides in Central and East Java by contributing $100,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross' emergency response.
The funding is for medical teams, associated medical supplies and water treatment units.
Heavy rains since 25 December 2007 have caused the overflowing of rivers, flooding and landslides. In Bojonegoro District, the worst affected region, 14 sub-districts and 117 villages have been inundated and road and rail access has been blocked. Latest reports from the Indonesian Government are that almost 25,000 houses and about 23,000 hectares of crops have been affected. Flooding has also occurred across Jakarta.
Almost 27,000 people have been displaced by the disaster, 93 are confirmed dead and a further 34 remain missing.
The Indonesian Government is coordinating the emergency response and providing assistance, including food and drinking water, medical treatment and emergency accommodation for people left homeless by the disaster.
We are in contact with the Indonesian Government and international donors and stand ready to provide further assistance if required.
Media Contact:
Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's Office) 0400 318 205
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590