As the situation in Haiti deteriorates Australia has increased its assistance package to $15 million–$10 million in emergency humanitarian relief and $5 million for reconstruction assistance.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake which has caused such widespread devastation struck Haiti close to the capital of Port-au-Prince around 9 am (AEDT), 13 January 2010 (around 5 pm, 12 January in Haiti). Another earthquake, of 5.9 magnitude, struck around 60 km to the west of Port-au-Prince at 10.03 pm (AEDT) 20 January 2010 (6.03 am local time).
Australia's assistance is being delivered through the World Food Programme, non-government organisations, the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, and the International Red Cross.
In November 2009, Australia announced strengthened relations with the members of the Caribbean Community, including Haiti, and a $60 million development assistance package for the region which included support to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
If you have concerns for the welfare of Australian family and friends in Haiti, you should first attempt to contact them directly. If you are unable to contact them and still hold concerns for their welfare, you should call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on (02) 6261-3305.
Media releases
Australian assistance to Haiti
Australia increases emergency assistance to Haiti
Australian Air Traffic Controllers to assist in Haiti
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Sky News interview, Press conference
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