MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government is mobilising relief supplies and personnel to assist victims of the earthquake-tsunami in Solomon Islands. This follows yesterday's commitment of up to $2 million in emergency and reconstruction assistance in the wake of this disaster.
Australian authorities have maintained close contact with the Solomon Islands Government on Australia's contribution to the response.
An aircraft is preparing to transport emergency supplies from Australia carrying additional water supplies, food rations, shelter and other relief items.
A medical assessment team, comprising Australian and Solomon Islands health specialists, is also deploying today. The team will travel to the affected areas to provide immediate assistance, analyse health needs and assess infrastructure damage. Reports suggest that several medical centres have been lost. The health mission will also support the restoration of health services over the longer term.
Australian-funded emergency supplies including lighting, shelter and water containers have already been made available on the ground from stores in Gizo through the Solomon Islands Red Cross.
As part of the $2 million commitment, Australia will provide over half a million dollars to Caritas, the Australian Red Cross, World Vision and Oxfam - non-government organisations based in Solomon Islands - to feed, house and improve water supplies to affected communities.
In addition to Australian bilateral assistance, resources from the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which is strongly supported by Australia, have been assisting the Solomon Islands Government response. A RAMSI aircraft has evacuated a number of injured people to Honiara for treatment and other RAMSI resources have been transporting relief items to affected areas and assisting damage assessment activities.
RAMSI staff are working closely with the Solomon Islands Government to ensure that the initial response to this earthquake-tsunami is as quick and effective as possible.
Media contacts:
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500