MEDIA RELEASE
SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SENATOR THE HON MURRAY WATT
MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
DISATER ASSISTANCE RESPONSE TEAM FOR TÜRKİYE
The Australian Government is working to provide a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to Türkiye to support local authorities with search and rescue efforts.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has activated an AUSASSISTPLAN to deploy an Urban Search and Rescue team of up to 72 personnel to Türkiye to assist local authorities.
Our National Emergency Management Agency, or NEMA, is working closely with Fire and Rescue NSW, DFAT and the ADF to coordinate the deployment as soon as possible, with an aim to have boots on the ground by the end of the week.
These Urban Search and Rescue specialists are highly trained to locate, deliver medical assistance to, and remove victims who have been trapped or impacted by a structural collapse.
We wish to thank the personnel and their families in advance, for their willingness to support this important international effort with such short notice.
The Australian Government will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds and assess further needs and where Australia can best assist.
We extend Australia’s condolences to families and communities that have lost loved ones, and those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
Media Contact
Kübra Özdemir, Public Diplomacy Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +90 312 459 95 04 / +90 531 886 51 81
MEDIA RELEASE
SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON PAT CONROY MP
MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN RESPONSE TO EARTHQUAKES IN TÜRKİYE AND SYRIA
The Australian Government will provide an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the devastating earthquakes that have struck Türkiye and Syria.
In Türkiye, Australia will provide $7 million in lifesaving assistance. $4 million of this will be provided through our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners for food and items such as tents and blankets to support those injured and evacuated. A further $3 million will be allocated as needs become clearer.
In Syria, Australia will provide $3 million through our longstanding partner, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for immediate needs including shelter, clean water and sanitation, with a focus on women and girls.
Australia’s assistance will target those in greatest need.
We extend Australia’s deepest sympathies to families and communities that have lost loved ones, and those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
Media Contact
Kübra Özdemir, Public Diplomacy Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +90 312 459 95 04 / +90 531 886 51 81
Updates from the Australian Embassy and Consulates in Turkey are posted on Twitter and Facebook.
Follow news from our Ministers and Department for more information:
· Prime Minister, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
· Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong
· Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updates from other Australian Government agencies are collated on australia.gov.au
Media enquiries from Australian and international outlets should be directed to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Media Liaison Section by email: [email protected] or phone: +61 2 6261 1555
Turkish, Azerbaijani or Georgian press can contact us during business hours in the first instance.