MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government will provide $2.5 million towards emergency relief efforts in communities in Pakistan recently affected by storms, floods and a cyclone.
In late June, the combined effects of heavy storms and Cyclone Yemyin claimed around 300 lives across Pakistan and affected 1.65 million people.
Over 300,000 people are homeless in the two most severely hit provinces - Baluchistan and Sindh.
To assist relief efforts, Australia, through our international aid agency, AusAID, will contribute $1 million through UNICEF for immediate water supply and sanitation needs.
We will provide $1 million through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to provide emergency shelter and support the Pakistan Red Crescent to distribute food parcels, essential non-food items and provide short-term basic shelter and health needs.
We will also provide $500,000 through the World Health Organization for essential medicines and vaccines for the affected population.
Both the UN and the IFRC have launched global appeals for assistance to Pakistan.
Australia will continue to closely monitor emergency needs in Pakistan.
Media contacts:
Malcolm Cole (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590