Australia to aid flood victims

Australia to aid flood victims

JAKARTA: The Australian government will provide A$100,000 to
help victims of flooding in Sumatra and Sulawesi and assist the
Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in handling further flood emergencies
expected over the next few weeks.

Australia's contribution is in response to the Indonesian
Floods 2004 emergency appeal, launched by the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The
funds will be channeled through the Australian Red Cross.

"The Australian funds will help meet immediate needs such as
shelter and the replenishment of household items," said
Australian Ambassador David Ritchie.

Contributions to the emergency appeal will also be used to
reinforce the PMI's capacity to respond quickly to emerging
disasters. Further floods and landslides are likely as a result
of predicted heavy rainfall this month.

Since 1997, Australia has contributed over A$126 million in
humanitarian assistance to the victims of disasters and conflicts
across Indonesia. --JP