NZ to give $600,000 to Indonesia after quake

Oct 05, 2009

New Zealand is giving $600,000 to help quake-struck Indonesia and a further $400,000 to assist Southeast Asian countries hit by a typhoon.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced the $1 million package today saying it was initial support.

The money would go to rescue efforts and emergency provisions after the September 30 quake in western Sumatra in Indonesia.

Typhoon Ketsana struck the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, and funding would help address the devastation caused by flooding in those countries, Mr McCully said.

"The death toll from the Indonesian earthquakes is estimated to be approaching 3000, with thousands more injured or homeless.

"Padang city and surrounding towns have been heavily hit, with schools, hospitals, hotels and markets destroyed.

"Fires have caused further damage, and heavy rain is making access difficult, and hampering search and rescue efforts."

The New Zealand money would be managed by Red Cross and other aid agencies to provide medical supplies, petrol, generators, sanitation equipment, food and shelter.

"The Philippines has been most severely hit by Typhoon Ketsana, with Manila suffering its worst floods in 40 years.

"Throughout the country three million homes have been damaged, with over 300,000 people displaced and nearly 300 deaths reported.

"Vietnam and Cambodia have also been hit, with deaths, significant damage, and displacement of people."

Further was to come with another major typhoon in the region building strength.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong expressed sympathy for New Zealand families waiting to hear news of loved ones in the affected countries.

"This is an anxious time for many New Zealanders who are waiting by the phone as rescuers work through the rubble and damage to find survivors of the wide-spread devastation caused by these tragic disasters," she said.

"Our thoughts are with the thousands of people who have been killed, wounded or who lost their homes as a result of these horrific natural disasters and also those here in New Zealand who are waiting to hear whether their family and friends are safe."

Anyone wanting information about friends and family in Indonesia or the Philippines should call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.