MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia will contribute a further $100,000 to help vulnerable families in
Mongolia who are now suffering the effects of severe winter following prolonged
drought.
The contribution will be made through the International Federation of the Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Appeal, the Parliamentary Secretary for
Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, said today.
'The $100,000 will provide wheat flour, clothing and footwear for 115,000
men, women and children,' Mrs Gallus said.
Mrs Gallus said Mongolia had undergone another devastating winter with
minimum temperatures plunging as low as minus 45 degree Celsius, and this had
increased the hardship caused by the three previous drought/winter cycles.
The summer drought had meant less hay for winter storage, a problem
compounded by the early onset of winter, which forced herders to begin using
their small hay reserves as early as September.
'Suffering caused by drought is well understood in Australia,' said Mrs
Gallus
This latest response to the suffering caused by severe climatic conditions in
Mongolia brings contribution by Australia since April 2000 to $550,000.
Contacts:
Alex Knox (Office of Mrs Gallus) 0411 287 257
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489