Hilary Benn announces more support for Indonesia
28 May 2006
International Development Secretary, Hilary Benn, this morning announced a further £1 million to be made available immediately to support the victims of the Indonesian earthquake.
The £1 million allocation, in addition to the £3 million announced yesterday,
is in response to the appeal from the
International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies. The money will be used by the
Indonesian Red Cross (PMI)
to provide emergency relief supplies and services, such as shelter, access to
clean water supplies and medical care.
Hilary Benn said:
"As the scale of this tragedy increases it is vital that the emergency relief services are given the funds and supplies to meet the most immediate needs of those affected."
"The UK funding of £4 million so far, along with the support of DFID staff on the ground, will play a vital role in meeting these needs.""The UK remains ready to help, with its expertise or through financial assistance, in whatever way we can."
The Department for International Development will also be sending two members of its emergency operations team, including one health specialist, to support the DFID team already in place in Indonesia. They will continue providing support to the Government of Indonesia in handling the immediate emergency relief work and planning the longer term response to the disaster.
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, is co-ordinating the UK response to the disaster and is in regular contact with Hilary Benn, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the UK Embassy in Indonesia and other UK staff on the ground.
The British Embassy Jakarta had received no reports of any British nationals killed or injured, but they continue to monitor the situation closely.
Notes for editors
DFID is publishing up to date situation reports in the aftermath of the earthquake. These can be found at www.dfid.gov.uk
For media enquires, please contact DFID newsroom on 020 7023 0600
Related links
- Disasters and Emergencies Overseas: How You Can Help
