ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/2/2001 29 January 2001
AUSTRALIA RESPONDS TO DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE
Australia has responded rapidly to the tragic and devastating earthquake, which shook India on 26 January.
Australians have been deeply saddened by the heavy loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake.
Mr Rob Laurie, Australia's High Commissioner in New Delhi, said today that the Australian Prime Minister has announced a contribution of A$1,000,000 to emergency relief programs. The funds will be channelled through the United Nations and International Organisations. The funds will provide emergency assistance to the devastated communities including delivering clothes, blankets, medical supplies and clean water.
The Australian Government is also supporting the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team. AusAID, the Australian Agency for International Development, has arranged for Mr Joe Barr, an experienced disaster management expert, to join the team. Mr Barr will arrive in India tomorrow. The team will assist in assessing the situation and coordinating international assistance.
The Australian Government will continue to monitor the situation in order to determine other ways in which Australia may be of assistance.
For further information, please contact Mr Rory Medcalf, First Secretary, on extn 197