Australia supports response to flooding in the Balkans

I express the heartfelt concern of the Australian Government for the people of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia affected by recent devastating floods. The thoughts of all Australians are with affected communities, as well as their family and friends in Australia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has met with officials from affected countries to discuss the impact and response to date, as well as likely future needs.

The Government is also monitoring the situation closely through partners including with the European Union, the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Australia's core funding to the United Nations – including the World Food Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) – has enabled these agencies to deploy experts and resources quickly to assist with the response.

Australia is a top ten donor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which releases humanitarian assistance quickly during disasters. Australia's contribution to the IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) has assisted the swift provision of humanitarian assistance to affected regions.

DFAT continues to advise travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Australians in flood affected regions should monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

I encourage all Australians travelling to read relevant travel advice and register their travel plans at smartraveller.gov.au.