#Newsflash: Aceh earthquake: Australia pledges $1m to Indonesia in aid

Money to support essential household items and first aid following Wednesday’s 6.5 magnitude earthquake off Sumatran coast

The government has committed $1m to aid Indonesia’s response to the Aceh earthquake that claimed 100 lives and left more than 11,000 without homes.

More than 100 people were killed and 750 injured in the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sumatra, which destroyed more than 10,500 homes along with schools and a major public hospital on Wednesday.

The foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, said the government support will go towards essential household items, shelter, health and first aid, clean water and helping families to get back to work.

Australia will also provide 1,500 family kits that include emergency household and hygiene items, 2,200 tarpaulins and 100 tents and will help 5,500 people in the worst-affected areas.

“The Australian government stands ready to respond to additional requests for more assistance from the Indonesian Government,” Bishop said.




News from The Guardian