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USA: Hurricane Katrina recovery assistance

For inquiries regarding Australians in the area of the disaster - www.dfat.gov.au

One of the most immediate ways that you can help disaster victims or people in need is by supporting an appeal. If you make a donation to an international appeal, the money you give will be spent on assisting people in the region you nominate. The Australian Red Cross is accepting donations on behalf of American Red Cross for the 'US Hurricane 2005 Relief' appeal. By following this link you can support the international appeal. https://www.redcross.org.au/Donations/onlineDonations.asp

It is more efficient and cheaper to purchase what is required near to a disaster affected area than to sort, package and transport, then unpack, sort, transport and deliver donated items. This is why it is better to donate money directly to an appeal.

In the wake of the devastating Category 5 Hurricane Katrina which thrashed the Gulf States of the southern United States on 29 August 2005, the Australian Government has offered both cash and assistance. $10million has been given to the Red Cross towards helping those who have lost their homes.

Emergency Management Australia has been working with the Australian Ambassador in Washington and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on ways that Australia might further assist.

A team of three experienced emergency managers, led by EMA, has gone to Washington to gain first-hand knowledge of the best way Australian expertise could be of value.

The Prime Minister John Howard has announced that initially up to 20 recovery specialists from Australia could be made available to work with FEMA officials to manage the extensive recovery process. A decision about a larger team will be made when information on the most appropriate requirements comes available.