MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will provide
over $150,000 in emergency assistance for victims of the devastating floods
affecting large areas of South and Central China.
During my meeting today with His Excellency Mr Tang
Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, I
conveyed, on behalf of the Australian Government, sympathy to the victims of the
floods.
The floods have resulted in over 1,000 reported
deaths and the evacuation of nearly a quarter of a million people from their
homes.
The victims of these floods are in urgent need of
food and medical supplies as a result of the extensive flooding which is
reported to be the worst in living memory in a number of provinces.
Australia's contribution for emergency relief will be
provided through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies (IFRC).
This emergency flood assistance is in addition to the
$55.8 million in Australian aid committed to China this year that is aimed at
alleviating poverty through targeted activities in rural development, health,
education and training.
Media Contacts: Innes Willox (Minister's
office - Manila) 0011 63 917 8151005 Lyn Dunlevy (AusAID) 02 6206
4966