MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
The Australian Government will provide $1 million through international NGOs for food and recovery support for flood affected communities in India.
On 18 August the eastern embankment of the Kosi River in south-eastern Nepal collapsed resulting in major flooding in Bihar in north-east India and in Nepal.
In India, 2.7 million people have been displaced by the floods and thousands of hectares of land have been inundated causing widespread destruction of homes and crops. Major infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
I have previously indicated that in the face of this disaster the Indian Government has responded very quickly and in conjunction with a number of international NGOs.
The assist international agencies operating in India, the Australian Government will provide $500,000 to WFP for emergency food aid and $500,000 to UNICEF for medical relief, water and sanitation, child protection and education.
Media Contacts:
Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental : (02) 6261 1555