MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Hunt
The Australian Government has announced plans to provide urgently needed food, blankets, shelter and clean water to victims of the flood crisis in Africa.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Greg Hunt said Australia would give $1.5 million to help aid agencies on the ground to deliver essential needs.
'We are extremely concerned by the loss of life and devastation caused by flooding which has spread across west, central and east Africa,' Mr Hunt said.
'The worst floods in decades have displaced well over a million people in 17 countries, including Ghana, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
'We are supporting Australian and international aid agencies which are seeking urgent assistance to help the many people left homeless and at risk of disease.'
Up to $1 million will be provided to Australian NGOs for essential non-food items such as shelter and blankets, and water and sanitation and health-related projects.
A further $500,000 will be provided to the World Food Programme for food aid to Ghana.
Mr Hunt said the floods have destroyed homes, farmland and local infrastructure.
'Australian NGOs are already on the ground and able to assist flood victims,' Mr Hunt said.
'A number of these Australian NGOs are already well established in development assistance and humanitarian relief in Africa.
'We will use the extensive experience and established networks of several of these organisations to deliver relief to flood-affected communities across east Africa.
'Humanitarian assistance is an important component of the Australian aid program in Africa.
'In 2006-07 the Australian Government provided more than $30 million in assistance to address human suffering caused by natural disasters and conflict and in Africa.'
Media contacts:
John Deller (Mr Hunt's office) on 0400 496 596
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590