Australian Assistance To Taiwan For Typhoon Morakot Relief

Australian Assistance to Taiwan for Typhoon Morakot Relief

Australia will donate $200,000 in emergency supplies to assist people on Taiwan devastated by Typhoon Morakot.

The Typhoon, which hit Taiwan on 7 August, caused widespread damage through flooding and mudslides. According to recent reporting, the death toll may exceed 500, and several thousand people are believed to remain stranded without food or potable water.

Taiwan has requested assistance with sanitation supplies to combat water borne diseases caused by flooding.

In response, Australia will provide:
* 200,000 water purification tablets (each tablet produces 10 litres of clean water)
* 5,000 large buckets for treating water and general household use
* 100 sanitiser spray packs backpack containers that hold disinfectant or repellents for spraying around buildings to stop disease, insects and rodents.

China Airlines will transport the supplies without charge to Taiwan for distribution to affected communities.

Australia is pleased to help relieve the suffering of survivors and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of Taiwan for their loss from this disaster.





Media contacts:
Margaret Watt (Mr McMullan's Office)
0438 271 749

AusAID Media
0417 680 590


SOURCE: AusAID