MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce a package of emergency and longer term assistance for flood management and prevention in China.
China is experiencing its second year of severe flooding which has already displaced over 5 million people and left more than 2 million people homeless. This follows the devastating floods of 1998 which caused widespread loss of life, homelessness and destruction to crops and livestock, affecting 240 million people, or one-fifth of China's population.
The Australian Government will provide emergency assistance of $300,000 to China through the International Federation of Red Cross Societies Appeal. This will help provide safe drinking water, sanitation, clothing and quilts.
The Australian Government is also advancing two significant projects along the Yangtze river which will help prevent future floods and increase the Chinese Government's capacity to manage flooding when it occurs.
At the direction of the Australian Government, a team of Australian flood experts are already in China preparing the groundwork for a major aid project known as the Yangtze Flood Control and Management project. The project will assist China to develop a new flood warning system along the Yangtze river.
The Australian Government will also send a team of experts in October to Qinghai province, the origin of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, to commence planning for the Qinghai Forest Rehabilitation Project. The project will assist in the reafforestation of river catchments and improved farming techniques to prevent soil erosion, which can lead to silt build up further down the river - a major cause of flooding.
Since the devastating floods of 1998, Australia has provided China with significant emergency and flood rehabilitation assistance, such as food, water purification, sanitation and the reconstruction of local schools.
Media contacts:
Innes Willox (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Matt Francis (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489