MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia is mobilising an expert mission to help the Pakistan Government
assess damage to critical infrastructure and to plan for the future in the wake
of the devastating earthquakes.
The five-person Critical Infrastructure Assessment Mission led by the
Australian Government's overseas aid agency AusAID, will be briefed in
Canberra today before leaving for Pakistan tomorrow.
Team members include four engineers from around the country, supplied by
RedR Australia (Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief).
The two-week Mission will assess damage to hospitals, schools, and water
supply in the earthquake-affected provinces.
It will report to both Governments on the extent of the damage and options
and priorities for reconstruction.
It will also assist the Government of Pakistan to plan for the phases
following relief including the transition from tents to intermediate housing
and longer term reconstruction.
The earthquakes have killed at least 38,000 people, injured 62,000 and left
3.3 million homeless according to the Government of Pakistan.
The Mission is in addition to the $10 million Australia has already provided
for immediate medical, food and shelter assistance following the South Asia
earthquakes, including $2.5 million to WHO for immediate medical needs.
Media contact:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590