MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Government is watching with horror the unfolding tragedy of the earthquake in Turkey. The loss of life and devastation is immense.
On Friday I instructed the Australian Ambassador in Ankara to approach Turkish authorities and asked what further practical assistance Australia could provide in addition to A$1 million support already offered.
As a result of these representations the Australian Government will now provide 1050 tents, thirty 10,000 litre water tanks and 500 mobile toilets to help the survivors of the earthquake. They will be purchased from nearby stores in Europe to enable fast delivery. The goods will be on the ground in Turkey in the next 48 hours. Such items are among the most urgently needed.
The $1 million Australia has already provided has been sent to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs who are on the ground working to save as many lives as possible.
To ensure our rapid response to emerging needs, I have despatched a senior official from the Australian Government's overseas aid agency, AusAID, to assist the Australian Embassy in Ankara assess what Australia can do further to help.
If Australians wish to make a personal contribution to assist the victims of the earthquake, I would encourage them to make a cash donation to a Turkish earthquake appeal by an Australian aid organisation.
Media contacts:
Innes Willox (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Matt Francis (AusAID) 0412 804 489 / 02 6206 4960