MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will respond quickly to provide assistance for victims of the tidal wave disaster that struck Papua New Guinea last night.
A ten metre high tidal wave struck on a wide front at Sissano lagoon west of Aitape in Sandaun (West Sepik) province.
Preliminary reports put the death toll at several hundred with up to 6000 homeless.
Australia will immediately provide transport for relief supplies and a mobile hospital.
A RAAF C130 Hercules currently in PNG on training exercises will be diverted to deliver relief supplies such as tarpaulins and food to the affected areas.
We will also transport a mobile hospital and associated Australian Defence Force (ADF) medical personnel to the disaster area to provide urgent medical assistance to injured victims.
The Australian Government stands ready to consider further requests from the PNG Government for assistance. Australian aid officials will remain in close contact with the PNG Government as needs are further assessed.
Media contacts:
Innes Willox (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206890 Matt Francis (AusAID) 02 60206 4967 or 0417 683126