Australian Assistance for Indonesia

Australia will send a search and rescue team, relief supplies and military health and engineering assessment teams to Sumatra following Wednesday’s devastating earthquake.

At 17:15PM on Wednesday 30 September, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale hit Sumatra in Indonesia. The quake caused buildings to collapse in the city of Padang, trapping hundreds, starting fires and destroying communications. The quake also destroyed roads and caused landslides. Many communities remain cut off.

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday deployed a six-person emergency team to Padang to inspect damage and plan how to get Australian help quickly and effectively to support Indonesia and those in need, and to assist any Australians caught up in the tragedy.

Australian officials in Jakarta from the Australian Agency for International Development, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Defence and the Australian Federal Police are working with the Government of Indonesia to identify how Australia can best help the people of Sumatra.

Australia extends its condolences to the communities affected by the disaster.

“Australia is working with Indonesian counterparts to work quickly and precisely to respond rapidly to the earthquake,” Australian Charge to Indonesia, Paul Robilliard said.

Australian emergency stores, including medical kits, blankets and tents are also being deployed to Sumatra. Australia has also provided A$250,000 to Indonesian NGO Muhammadiyah to support their medical teams and humanitarian operations.

A 36-person urban search and rescue team and approximately 20 Australian Defence Force medics and engineers today left Australia and are expected to arrive in Jakarta later today. A$100,000 has also been provided to the Indonesian Red Cross for their emergency response operations, which include emergency medical and family kits.

Australia stands ready to offer further assistance to Indonesia in the wake of this devastating disaster.

Media Enquiries:
Sonya Neufeld, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5609 / 0811 187 2365
Bram Marolop, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550-5386 / 0811 190 4823