FED: Aust pledges quake relief as death toll rises

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2003
FED: Aust pledges quake relief as death toll rises

By Graeme Webber

SYDNEY, Dec 27 AAP - The Australian government pledged $2 million for the Iranian earthquake
relief effort today, as the death toll climbed beyond 25,000.

The quake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the ancient oasis city of Bam in
Iran's south-east early yesterday morning, local time, levelling 80 per cent of its houses
and injuring about 50,000 people.

The Australian Red Cross has opened a public appeal and hopes to raise $15 million
in the aftermath of the quake.

Prime Minister John Howard said a large proportion of Australia's Iranian community
were from the quake-affected Kerman province and the government would consider expanding
its relief package further.

"All Australians are shocked at the terrible loss of life," Mr Howard said in a statement.

"Our thoughts today go out to the victims of this disaster and the families and loved
ones of those who perished.

"Australia will closely monitor the situation in Iran and consider additional assistance
based on the advice of international agencies on the ground."

Earlier today, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the Australian government would
immediately provide $2 million directly to international relief efforts already providing
relief and emergency assistance.

"The earthquake has brought terrible pain and suffering to the people of Bam," Mr Downer said.

"I have written to Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi to offer the deepest condolences
of the Australian Government and people at this most difficult time."

Australia would closely monitor the situation in Iran and consider additional assistance
based on the advice of international agencies on the ground, Mr Howard said.

"Our best wishes are with the international relief and emergency teams working to help
the thousands of bereaved and injured Iranians in the city of Bam," Mr Howard said.

"On behalf of all Australians, I wish to extend to the Iranian people my deepest condolences
for the devastation caused by the earthquake in south-eastern Iran."

People wishing to help earthquake victims can make a cash donation to an Iran earthquake
appeal by Australian aid organisations, listed at www.acfoa.asn.au.

The Australian Red Cross has joined the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies, which have sent eight relief teams to the stricken area with tents
and medical services and helicopters for patient transfers.

"The most pressing needs are for shelter materials such as tents, blankets and plastic
sheeting," Australian Red Cross's head of international operations department Nathan Rabe
said.

"We are also seeking funds to provide safe water supplies as well as heating materials."

AAP gmw/cjh/de

KEYWORD: QUAKE IRAN AUST NIGHTLEAD

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