Further Australian Assistance for Pakistan
Media release
7 August 2010
As the adverse consequences of disastrous flooding in Pakistan worsen, Australia will contribute a further $5 million for the people of Pakistan affected by the floods.
This brings Australia’s assistance to $10 million to date.
Since Australia announced its initial $5 million emergency assistance for food, clean drinking water, tents and medical supplies on 2 August, conditions in North-West Pakistan have deteriorated, with further heavy rain and flood waters continuing to rise.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority now estimates that more than 12 million people are being adversely affected. This number could rise as flood waters move south. Further heavy rain is also predicted.
Overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, the Government of Pakistan has now requested international assistance to support its own relief efforts.
Of the $5 million Australia previously contributed, $3 million has been provided through the Pakistan Emergency Response Fund and the International Red Cross/Crescent Movement and $2 million is being provided through Australian Non-Government Organisations.
Australia will now provide $4 million to the World Food Programme to support the distribution of food to people displaced by the flooding.
Australia will also make a further $1 million contribution to the United Nations-managed Pakistan Emergency Response Fund. The Fund supports the provision of emergency food relief, shelter and basic health and sanitation services by local non-government organisations already active in affected areas.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority is leading the response, working closely with the Pakistan military and humanitarian agencies.
Australia is also participating in the United Nations Disaster Assessment mission currently underway in Pakistan.
Australia is a good friend of Pakistan and stands ready to provide ongoing assistance during this crisis and to assist in recovery and reconstruction.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555