MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
The Australian Government will provide further assistance of $1 million to help rescue and recovery efforts in Sichuan Province following the tragic earthquake and recent aftershocks.
In close consultation with the Chinese authorities and based on needs identified by Chinese officials, Australia will provide a selected range of equipment to assist rescue and recovery teams on the ground.
This equipment will include specialist cutting and lifting equipment to assist in the affected areas.
The Australian Government will also provide, at the request of Chinese authorities, further basic emergency relief supplies such as generators, blankets, tarpaulins, jerry cans and water tanks to assist survivors.
The Australian Government is pleased to be able to assist, in a practical way, the ongoing efforts of the Chinese authorities and recovery teams.
This response follows Australia's initial offer of an urban search and rescue taskforce and our subsequent pledge of $1 million through the International Federation of the Red Cross.
On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian people, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to China, and in particular to the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy.