Fed: Aust sending more aid to the Solomons

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2007
Fed: Aust sending more aid to the Solomons

CANBERRA, April 10 AAP - Australia will send another plane-load of aid to tsunami survivors
in the Solomon Islands tomorrow.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the additional assistance would bring the amount
of aid Australia has given the Solomons since last week's deadly tsunami to $3 million.

An 8.0-magnitude earthquake triggered the tsunami, which devastated the Solomons' Western
Province on April 2, killing 39 people and leaving 7,000 homeless.

Australia already has six medical teams working in disaster-affected areas, including
Sasamungga and the islands of Ranongga and Vella Lavella.

Mr Downer said one of the most pressing medical concerns was diarrhoea and the threat
of dysentery.

"Australian doctors are distributing oral rehydration kits and antibiotics to treat
patients and water purification tablets and sanitation advice to prevent further outbreaks
of disease," he said.

A third RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft will leave Brisbane tomorrow morning carrying additional
relief supplies including sleeping bags, tents, lights, heaters, clean water, cooking
aids and tools.

Mr Downer said forces from the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
were also continuing to provide assistance.

"RAMSI continues to provide valuable assistance, including transport, logistics, assessment
and relief support, especially through the Solomon Islands Police Force," he said.

AAP so/sb/srp/nf

KEYWORD: QUAKE SOLOMONS AUST

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