Humanitarian assistance to Myanmar

Today I announce the Australian Government will provide a package of support to Myanmar as it responds to the flooding and landslides following Cyclone Komen and heavy monsoonal rains.

This support responds to a request from the Government of Myanmar. Australia will provide $2 million toward the relief efforts. We are working with the Myanmar Government and humanitarian partners to determine how funding will be allocated.

Existing Australian funding to development and humanitarian partners in Myanmar is also being used to support the relief efforts. Australia is a key donor to the UN's Emergency Response Fund for Burma and the Central Emergency Response Fund, both of which are releasing funds to support the response.

Prior to the cyclone, the Australian Government had deployed Australian Civilian Corps specialists to work with humanitarian partners. A specialist is now assisting with the relief effort and coordinating damage assessments.

The Rakhine state is one of the areas worst affected by the floods. A dedicated specialist is working with UNHCR and the Myanmar Government to assist the 140,000 Rohingya people displaced by conflict and affected by floods.

An additional humanitarian adviser will depart for Myanmar next week to help coordinate Australian assistance.