Additional Australian Humanitarian Assistance - Indonesian earthquake

Australia will provide a further $2 million in critical humanitarian assistance for survivors of the Yogyakarta earthquake in Indonesia. This brings Australia’s immediate humanitarian response to $3 million.

Australia plans to send three assessment and response teams. These teams are currently being mobilised and put on stand-by.

The teams consist of a medical and health team that could assist in treating the several thousand seriously injured; an essential services team that could assess and repair electricity, water and sanitation services; and a structural engineering team that could assist local authorities determine the status and safety of public buildings.

The teams will link closely with existing AusAID programs in these sectors, drawing on staff with language skills and a deep knowledge of the region.

The United Nations estimates fatalities at more than 2,700 - and the number could rise. Initial estimates of the number injured put the figure at several thousand.

The Australian Government’s international aid agency AusAID will provide the funding through the Indonesian Red Cross and Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of the Red Cross as well as other key relief agencies to enable them to meet the urgent needs of victims such as medical assistance, food and shelter.

Australia offers condolences to the families of the victims and stands ready to offer additional assistance if necessary.

The earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, struck Indonesia's Central Java Province early this morning with the epicentre 25 kilometres south of the densely populated city of Yogyakarta. There has been considerable damage to the city and the surrounding area.

AusAID is continuing to closely monitor the situation in Indonesia.

Further information:
Steven Barraclough (Counsellor Public Affairs) tel. 021 2550 5290 hp. 0811 194 144