MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON DUNCAN KERR SC MP, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR PACIFIC ISLAND
AFFAIRS, AND THE HON BOB MCMULLAN MP, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AA 09 01
12 January 2009
Australia provides emergency assistance to the Federated
States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Australia will provide US$50,000 in immediate emergency assistance to each
of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, in response to tidal surges and storms that have inundated the low-
lying Pacific Islands since early December.
“This US$100,000 assistance package will help alleviate the impact of recent
severe flooding on inhabitants of these vulnerable islands”, said Parliamentary
Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Duncan Kerr SC today.
The flooding in the Marshall Islands occurred from December 9 to December
15, and a state of emergency was declared on 23 December 2008.
The neighbouring Federated States of Micronesia declared a state of
emergency on 24 December 2008.
“A combination of 3-metre waves and heavy storms flooded the cities of
Majuro and Ebeye in the Marshall Islands, destroying homes and submerging
parts of the islands. The tidal surges left streets covered in rocks, coral and
debris”, said Mr Kerr.
“There is limited information on the amount of damage in Micronesia, however
we know that groundwater supply and farming land has been contaminated
with seawater due to the tidal surges.”
“Australia will consider further assistance should more detailed assessments
indicate the need and requests come from the Governments of the two
affected countries”, said Parliamentary Secretary for International
Development Assistance, Bob McMullan.
Australia’s Pacific Patrol Boats are being used to transport supplies and
assessment teams to the outer islands in the Federated States of Micronesia.
The announcement comes ahead of a planned visit by Mr Kerr to the Northern
Pacific region, to attend the inauguration of the new President, Mr Johnson
Toribiong, in neighbouring Palau.
Australia’s development assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia is
estimated at $1.52 million for 2008-09 and approximately $750,000 for the
Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Media Contacts:
Sarah Bilney (Mr Kerr’s office) 0434 160 539, Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan’s
office) 0400 318 205, AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
NEWS 
