The Australian Federal Government has announced that it will give an initial $2 million to help the Solomon Islands deal with the effects of the tsunami which struck yesterday after the severe earthquake, devastating many remote and low lying areas.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the government had made an initial offer of up to $2 million in emergency and reconstruction assistance to the Solomon Islands government, adding, “The Australian government is particularly concerned by reports of possible loss of life in Solomon Islands”.
With thousands missing and the death toll expected to rise, Australia is working with the Solomon Islands government on a response effort, with Mr Downer saying, “A more detailed assessment of the situation is underway and as more information becomes available Australia will provide targeted and specific support to the Solomon Islands government.”
He added, “Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are being used to survey the extent of damage and assess immediate need and RAMSI medical teams are on stand-by to provide medical treatment to those affected by the tsunami, and the disaster response expertise of the RAMSI police has been made available.”
Mr Downer said the government had a supply of relief items like blankets, tarpaulins and clean water that could be dispatched immediately, adding, “Teams of disaster relief experts can also be deployed to supplement RAMSI resources in Solomon Islands”.
Report by The Mole
