MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that in response to a Flash Appeal launched by the United Nations overnight, the Australian Government has provided additional funds to help victims of the earthquake in the Iranian city of Bam.
Australia's contribution to the Flash Appeal will be $2 million.
This is in addition to $2 million in immediate relief, which I announced on Sunday 28 December, and the earlier RAAF emergency supplies airlift.
Today's commitment of $2 million to the UN Flash Appeal brings Australia's total assistance in response to the Bam earthquake to $4.5 million.
The funds are being used by UN and international agencies for continuing emergency relief work and for rehabilitation and recovery programs (see attached table).
Australia's assistance focuses on immediate medical support, in particular for women and children, as well as provision of desperately required food and shelter.
Our support includes $800,000, which is being channelled through UNICEF Australia for physical and psychological support for children and caregivers affected by the disaster.
The Australian Red Cross is receiving $500,000 to support the work of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, and $300,000 is being provided via World Vision Australia for household support and education needs.
The earthquake that hit Bam on Boxing Day was a disaster of major proportions. The official death toll stands at 30,000 and is feared to rise as more rubble is cleared.
It is gratifying that in addition to the swift response of the Australian Government the general public have also been generous in making their personal donations to various appeals.
Contacts:
Andrew Park (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0418 253 285
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 or 0417 683 126
Australian Assistance Totals $4.5 million
Official Australian aid for Iran earthquake victims to Friday 9 January 2004
| Agency | Amount | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| UNICEF/UNICEF Australia | 800,000 | Provide physical and psychosocial support to children and caregivers affected by the earthquake |
| United Nations Development Program | 600,000 | Support for the construction of longer term shelter in Bam and surrounding areas |
| Australian Red Cross/Iranian Red Crescent 0 | 500,00 | Contribution to Australian Red Cross to support the work of the Iranian Red Crescent Society |
| World Health Organisation | 800,000 | To establish primary health care services |
| World Food Program | 1,000,000 | Provide food assistance to 100,000 persons in Bam and surrounding villages |
| World Vision Australia | 300,000 | Support for World Vision activities in the areas of household support and education |
| AusAID Disaster Supplies and transport | 500,000 | Supply and RAAF transport of emergency disaster store supplies to Bam |
| Total (AUD$) | $4,500,000 |