Australian Government
AusAID Media Release
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
KEVIN RUDD
Australia is providing emergency assistance to the people of Burma in response to the damage caused by Cyclone Giri, which struck the Rakhine State on 22 October.
The cyclone killed 45 people, with estimates of at least 260,000 Burmese severely affected. There has been widespread damage to houses, crops, schools, roads and bridges.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said that Australia will provide $3 million in assistance to help affected communities and families recover from this disaster and provide essential food, shelter, clean water and sanitation.
An immediate $200,000 was provided last month through the Australian Red Cross, and the further $2.8 million announced today will be delivered through the United Nations World Food Programme and Australian non-government organisations, CARE Australia, Save the Children Fund, Oxfam Australia, Burnet Institute and the Australian Red Cross.
'Australia's funding will help those left homeless and in need of food and emergency supplies,' said Mr Rudd.
