Australia is sending dozens of medical staff to Indonesia as part of a $5 million response to the country’s deadliest quakes and tsunamis in almost a decade.
Speaking from Washington, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said the funds will help provide emergency health care support for an initial period of 21 days.
“This is a very significant disaster. It’s an extraordinary challenge,” Minister Payne told reporters in Washington.
A line of bottles waiting to be filled at a gas station in the city of Palu. Source: AAP
Over 50 Australian medical professionals will be deployed to Indonesia to set up a temporary emergency and surgical care hospital to assist locals on the ground.
Australian nurses and doctors will also work in “mobile teams” of up to 4 people across the affected area with the capacity to treat up to 50 patients a day.
Ms Payne said the remote location is making the relief effort more difficult.
“I understand there are significant challenges from liquefaction, so solid earth turning effectively into quick sand that makes movement and engagement very difficult.”
Australia is also increasing its humanitarian relief supplies as part of its contribution.
“Things like shelter and water, hygiene kits, generators. Those supplies are currently in Australia and will be transported,” Ms Payne said.
“We will be working very closely with the Indonesian government to make sure that the support we are providing is highly targeted and is addressing their needs.”
Days after the earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of Indonesia the death toll continues to rise. Source: AAP
Ms Payne has confirmed the death toll following the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia now stands at more than 1200 people while another 61,000 have been displaced from their homes.
More than 2.6 million people have been impacted.
“In circumstances such as this, unfortunately we’ve seen them all too often in our region, there is the initial period of identification of the nature and size of the disaster and then the painstaking work of determining its full extent gets underway.”
The Foreign Minister has not ruled out offering further assistance if the situation worsens.
“That will be considered on a case by case basis.”
“We are looking forward to, best as we can, supporting our Indonesian neighbours in this great time of need.”
