Australian help arrives in Sumatra

3 Oct 2009, 9:10 am   -   Source: AAP
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The Australian Defence Force launches its aid program for earthquake ravaged Sumatra (AAP)

The Australian Defence Force launches its aid program for earthquake ravaged Sumatra (AAP)

The first of Australia's aid to Indonesia's earthquake-ravaged West Sumatra province has arrived.

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The first of Australia's aid to Indonesia's earthquake-ravaged West Sumatra province has arrived.

A plane carrying Australian aid personnel and relief supplies touched down in the West Sumatran capital of Padang at about 9.30pm local time on Friday.

Supplies include medical kits, blankets and tents for the tens of thousands of Indonesians affected by Wednesday's devastating earthquake, which is believed to have killed more than 1,000 people.

A 36-person urban search and rescue team and about 20 Australian Defence Force medics and engineers are expected to arrive in Padang on Saturday.

Australia has also provided $A250,000 to Indonesian NGO Muhammadiyah to support its medical teams and humanitarian operations and $A100,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross for its emergency response.

Australia, which responded to a request for help from Indonesia's president, stands ready to offer further assistance, the federal government says.

The 7.6-magnitude quake toppled buildings and sparked fires in Padang, home to nearly a million people on the coast of Sumatra.

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