Media release

13 May 2008

China Earthquake

On behalf of all Australians, I extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the terrible earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families in Chengdu city and surrounding areas.

The Australian Government stands ready to provide practical assistance and has already offered Australia’s expert urban search and rescue capabilities through Emergency Management Australia.

Australian officials are also in discussion with their Chinese counterparts to discuss whether Australia can provide any immediate humanitarian assistance.

The Australian Embassy in Beijing is contacting Australians in the affected areas to confirm their safety. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has reissued the travel advice for China and urged Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Sichuan province because of the damage to infrastructure, disruption to transport and the risk of aftershocks.

Australians in the region are encouraged to follow the advice of local emergency personnel. Any Australians in difficulty can contact the Department’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or the Australian Embassy in Beijing.

We also encourage Australians in the adversely affected areas to contact family and friends in Australia to confirm their safety if they are able to do so. Australians should also register with DFAT at the smartraveller.gov.au website to enable consular contact with them.

If family and friends of Australians in the affected areas have been in contact with them, they should relay that to the Consular Emergency Centre.

From within Australia, friends and next of kin can call the Department’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 if they have serious concerns about their loved ones in the affected areas.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555