13 February 2004
On Friday 6 February 2004 a strong earthquake, measuring 6.9 on the Richter
Scale, struck the north-west region of the Indonesian Province of Papua.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has reported that 37 people have died and 115 severly injured as a result of the earthquake.
Australia is providing $50,000 to the International Federation of the Red
Cross (IFRC) for emergency relief assistance in Papua Province.
Australia stands ready to provide further assistance if requested by the
Indonesian Government.
Australian funds are likely to be used by the IFRC and their local partners
to purchase emergency relief supplies such as personal hygiene kits, tents,
tarpaulins and blankets.
The earthquake's epicentre was located close to the provincial town of
Nabire, which has an estimated population of about 26,000.
The area also experienced two major subsequent shocks on Saturday 7 and
Sunday 8 February that measured 7.1 and 6.5 on the Richter Scale.
Indonesian authorities, UN agencies based in Indonesia and the Indonesian Red
Cross are carrying out damage assessments and Indonesian Police and Defence
Force elements, including medical teams, have been assisting with relief
efforts.