MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
Australia has provided an emergency humanitarian contribution of $50,000 to
help Indonesian earthquake victims, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, said today.
'Emergency Australian-funded aid reached victims within hours of
Friday's powerful earthquake that has killed 25 people, injured more than
230 and destroyed nearly 800 homes,' Mr Billson said.
'The first rescue teams from the Indonesian Red Cross delivered much
needed assistance including tarpaulins to shelter 250 families, medicine and a
generator.
'Australian funds are also providing shelter for another 750 families
and we stand ready to offer further assistance if required,' Mr Billson
said.
'The earthquake, centred on Alor in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province,
about 1000 km east of Bali, measured 7.4 on the Richter scale and was followed
by multiple after-shocks.
'Some 36,000 households have been affected and almost 8,000 structures
sustained moderate to severe damage, including churches, mosques, schools and
government buildings.
'In addition to Alor, islands in the immediate vicinity reported
casualties and extensive damage, including inundation of coastal areas by
tsunami.
'In nearby Dili, capital of neighbouring East Timor, the earthquake and
successive tremors caused residents to flee their homes, but there have been no
reports of casualties or major damage.'
'The Australian Government is committed to an effective ongoing aid
program in the region and also providing a rapid disaster response to help
communities in need,' Mr Billson said.
In 2004-2005, Australia increased overseas aid funding by nearly 10 per cent
to $2.133 billion and augmented by an estimated $14 million to $146 million,
our international humanitarian, emergency and refugee programs.
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489