The Albanese Government is providing an additional $5 million in emergency assistance in response to the worsening impacts of recent cyclones and flooding in the Indo-Pacific region.
This brings Australia's total assistance to over $14 million since October, supporting local and international partners to provide urgent lifesaving assistance to affected communities.
Today's announcement includes an additional $2.5 million for Sri Lanka, increasing Australia's response to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah to $3.5 million. Australia is engaging with all affected countries, with support to be provided through Australian NGOs and the United Nations as requested to meet urgent needs.
In recent weeks, Australia's close partners in our region have experienced the devastating impacts of cyclones, floods, earthquakes and landslides. Communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam have all been affected.
Australia's support is providing emergency relief supplies, shelter, food, water and sanitation, and it is meeting the needs of displaced communities, including support for health and education. Our funding prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, girls and people with disability.
Australia will continue to work with countries and communities in the region as a steadfast and reliable partner across the Indo-Pacific.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
"Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent floods and devastation in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. We are working with our partners in the region to deliver life-saving assistance to accelerate their response.
"Australia is committed to supporting our neighbours in good times and bad - we are a partner our region can count on."
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly:
"Recent severe weather and earthquakes have had devastating impacts for communities in our region, and we're ensuring our neighbours have the support they need to help communities to respond.
"Already vulnerable community groups - such as women and girls and people with disability - are regularly the worst impacted when disaster strikes. We're working with trusted and experienced partners to ensure assistance is getting to the people who need it."
