AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD

14 August 2010

Press Release

Australian Aid Arrives in Pakistan

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster arrived at Chaklala Air Force Base today, loaded with relief supplies for the people of Pakistan affected by devastating flooding.

The aircraft carried a total of $1 million of AusAID relief supplies including tents, tarpaulins and plastic sheeting, and water purification equipment to help more than 10,000 families. The aircraft also carried generators, birthing kits and water containers.

The supplies are in addition to a comprehensive $10 million assistance package which has been directed to the people of Pakistan through the UN-managed Pakistan Emergency Response Fund, the World Food Programme, the Red Crescent Movement and Australian non-government organisations.

It is not the first time the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has participated in an aid mission to Pakistan. In 2005, an ADF medical team deployed to Pakistan to provide vital health care assistance to those affected by a devastating earthquake.

A second plane-load of supplies for the people of Pakistan is expected to arrive early next week.

Contact: Jon Bonnar, 051 835 5346