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Support for US victims of Hurricane Katrina

FA110

The Australian Government today has announced a donation of $10 million to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the United States. The funds will go to the American Red Cross which is at the forefront of assisting those displaced and left homeless by the tragedy.

The immense magnitude of the hurricane's impact along the Gulf Coast of the United States is only now beginning to emerge, with a disaster zone of 145,000 square kilometres declared.

The rescue and evacuation operation by US authorities is a massive and resource-intensive task. So too is the challenge of rebuilding homes, businesses, schools and general infrastructure.

The United States is so often at the forefront of international aid efforts to help less fortunate nations. So it is only fitting that Australia should contribute to the daunting task of helping the thousands of American citizens whose lives have been thrown into turmoil by this unprecedented disaster

The death toll from the hurricane is not yet known but will be significant.

As announced yesterday, the Government is also sending a small team of emergency management specialists who will work through our Embassy to identify areas where Australian assistance can be most effective.

While it remains unclear exactly how many Australians are caught up in the hurricane's aftermath, we believe there are probably around 50 Australians awaiting evacuation in the affected areas. Consular officials are doing everything possible to assist them.

We have established a temporary consular office at the Houston Astrodome to receive evacuated Australians and provide assistance as they arrive from the disaster area.

Relatives or friends who hold concerns or have information about Australians who are in the region can register their details with DFAT on the special hotline number: 1800 00 22 14.

Media inquiries: Ministerial 02 6277 7500 , DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555