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Lao PDR

Australian assistance for Laos following Typhoon Ketsana

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
STEPHEN SMITH

Australia will provide a $1 million package of disaster assistance to Laos after its remote southern provinces were battered by Typhoon Ketsana recently

This assistance will help meet the critical needs of communities in remote areas of Laos and will be delivered by Australian Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).

Critical needs include food, clean water, shelter and basic medical supplies.

The assistance will also help restore agricultural production by providing seed stocks, tools and fertilisers and repair irrigation systems.

Typhoon Ketsana caused severe flooding and claimed lives, destroyed houses and inundated rice fields.

Australian NGOs and United Nations agencies are responding to the aftermath of the typhoon in Laos by providing essential food and other emergency relief supplies.

Laos has reported over 20 deaths, 135 people missing and an estimated 37,500 people displaced.

Australia has extended its condolences to the Government and people of Laos for their loss.

Before striking Laos, Typhoon Ketsana caused devastation in the Philippines and Vietnam.

Australia has previously announced $3 million in emergency assistance and urgent food aid to the Philippines, and a $1 million assistance package to the Vietnam Red Cross and Australian NGOs in Vietnam.