MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, ROBERT HILL<br>MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE, ALEXANDER DOWNER
An Australian Defence Force C130 Hercules will fly to Iran later today to deliver urgently needed stores and equipment for victims of the earthquake in Bam in South-eastern Iran.
'The Australian Government decided this morning to mount the emergency airlift,' Senator Hill said today.
'The Government stands ready to assist in these types of emergencies.'
'The C130 is due to depart RAAF Base Richmond (outside Sydney) this evening with essential emergency stores including tarpaulins, portable stoves, water purifying material, water containers, blankets and medical stores.'
Senator Hill said the response was a cooperative effort by AusAID, Defence and Emergency Management Australia.
Mr Downer said the airlift was in addition to an initial pledge of $2million for immediate relief assistance, which he announced yesterday.
'The mixed relief cargo from Australia responds to the specific requirements spelled out by the Government of Iran and by United Nations and international agencies. The scale of this disaster demands quick action,' Mr Downer said.
The Government of Iran now estimates the number of fatalities at more than 20,000, with an estimated 25-40,000 injured. Some 5000 injured have been airlifted out of Bam for medical attention.
Australians who wish to assist on a personal basis are encouraged to make a cash donation to an Iran earthquake appeal by an Australian aid organisation, details of which can be found on www.acfid.asn.au
Media contacts:
Matt Brown (Senator Hill) 0419 693 515
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
Media Liason (Defence) 0408 498 664
Alan March (AusAID) 0418 200 246