Mr Smith’s Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental : (02) 6261 1555
MEDIA RELEASE
Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
M E D I A R E L E A S E
3 October 2009
$1 million Australian assistance for Vietnam
Australia will provide $1 million assistance to the Vietnam Red Cross and Australian Non-Government
Organisations active in Vietnam in response to the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by
Typhoon Ketsana.
The assistance package is made up of $400,000 for the Vietnam Red Cross to provide water treatment
items, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and blankets, and $600,000 for Australian NGOs who are
already in Vietnam. The NGOs are providing essential food and other emergency relief supplies in
adversely affected parts of the country.
After wreaking havoc in the Philippines, Typhoon Ketsana moved into Vietnam where it caused over
90 deaths. Nineteen people remain missing.
Almost 170,000 people were evacuated from affected areas and there has been significant damage to
housing, public infrastructure and agricultural production with about 14,000 hectares of autumn rice
fields destroyed.
Australia has extended its condolences to the Government and people of Vietnam for their loss.
NEWS 
