MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce Australia will provide $1 million in emergency
assistance to Iran following the devastating earthquake in western Iran on 22
June.
$500,000 will be given through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement to assist with emergency medical assistance to the thousands estimated
to have been injured as a result of the earthquake, and to assist with shelter
for those left homeless.
An additional $500,000 will be provided for needs identified by the United
Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC). UNDAC has been
mobilised to assess the devastation.
Aid agencies are on site with emergency teams distributing relief items such
as food and tents.
It is currently estimated that more than 500 people have died and that
between 2000 and 4000 people have been injured from the earthquake that measured
6.3 on the Richter Scale.
Reports indicate that the cities of Avaj and Razan have been most severely
affected, with nearly 100 villages also badly damaged or destroyed.
Australia extends its sympathy to the people of Iran. The Australian
Government through its overseas aid program, AusAID, will continue to monitor
the situation as the extent of the damage becomes clearer.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489