MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Patterson
The Australian Government is greatly saddened by the destruction and loss of
life caused by the widespread flooding affecting Mozambique. This is a tragic
blow to the nation and its people.
Senator Kay Patterson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, today announced that in response to this tragedy, the Australian
Government will provide $250,000 to Mozambique's flood victims through the World
Food Programme.
"Reports suggest floodwaters are approaching the level of last year's
devastating floods and risk further widespread devastation and loss of life.
Already over forty people have died, some 70,000 people have been displaced and
another 400,000 people are affected by the heavy rains. The lives of many
thousands of peasant farming families have been severely disrupted following the
loss of some 27,000 hectares of crops." she said.
"Torrential rains have made roads impassable and many bridges are damaged and
destroyed. Australia's aid will assist by supporting the World Food Programme's
efforts to fly emergency equipment to isolated areas, deliver emergency supplies
and undertake rescue operations." Senator Patterson said.
The World Food Programme's first priorities are the rescue of
marooned people and the delivery of relief assistance.
Media contacts:
Louise Ahern (Senator Patterson's office) 02 6277 3800 / 0409
034 403
Greg Clough (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804
489