ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/4/2001 05 February 2001
Australia allocates Gujarat relief funds
Australian Government relief funds for Gujarat's earthquake victims will be used by selected NGOs to meet vital needs including safe drinking water, shelter and medicines.
The Australian Government has chosen three Australian non-government organisations (NGOs), with local partners in India, to implement its second emergency assistance package to Gujarat. Their efforts are expected to benefit more than 800,000 people.
The additional 1.5 million Australian dollars (Rs. 3.75 crores), announced by Prime Minister John Howard on 30 January, will be provided to the following agencies:
- The Australian Red Cross – AUD 500,000 (Rs. 1.25 crores) for logistical support and the provision of temporary shelter materials in the form of plastic sheeting and tarpaulins.
- TEAR Australia – AUD 500,000 (Rs. 1.25 crores) for the provision of safe drinking water, basic sanitation, essential medicines and trauma counselling.
- Community Aid Abroad (Oxfam Australia) – AUD 500,000 (Rs. 1.25 crores) for the provision of immediate food, drinking water and medical needs.
These relief efforts will cover a significant area of Gujarat, including the cities of Bhuj, and Kutch, Bachau taluka, Patan, and Surendranagar and Ahmedabad districts.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said that the three organisations were selected after broad consultations with the NGO community and an assessment by AusAID, the Australian Government's overseas aid agency.
Australia's commitment to the Indian earthquake relief efforts now stands at AUD 2.5 million (Rs. 6.25 crores). The first allocation of one million Australian dollars was made immediately after the disaster, and went to UNICEF for use in the provision of safe drinking water, sanitation, medical supplies, shelter and trauma counselling.
For further information, please contact:
Mr Rory Medcalf
First Secretary, on 6888223 extn 197.