Senator the Hon Marise Payne
|
The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
24 Aug 18
Release details
Release type
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Julie Bishop MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Hon Marise Payne
Minister for Defence
Media contact
- Henry Budd (Minister Payne’s office) 0429 531 143
- Defence Media (02) 6127 1999
Release content
28 July 2018
Joint media release
•Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP
•Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne
The Australian Government is providing humanitarian assistance to support the Government of Lao PDR to respond to the collapse of a dam in Attapeu Province. Our thoughts are with the people of Laos affected by this tragedy.
The Xepian-Xe Nam Noy dam in Southern Laos overflowed in the early evening of 23 July, resulting in flash flooding. More than 3000 people have been displaced and 130 people remain missing. Lao authorities are rescuing victims and moving affected people to safer areas.
Following a request for assistance from the Government of Lao PDR, Australia is providing $800,000 of emergency relief supplies. Our assistance includes tents, water containers and hygiene kits, which will be delivered by Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft, in partnership with UN agencies.
A DFAT Crisis Response Team will also be deployed to Laos support coordination of assistance and recovery efforts.
Australia is working closely with the Government of Lao PDR and is ready to provide further assistance if required.
Australia and Lao PDR have a long and close friendship built over 66 years of unbroken diplomatic ties. Our relationship is underpinned by close people-to-people links, strong business ties and a development cooperation program of around $42 million a year.
Media Note:
Imagery is avaiable at: https://images.defence.gov.au/s20182595