Australia, September 30: will airlift humanitarian supplies and medical personnel today Samoa, which has been struck by a massive South Pacific earthquake and tsunami.
A chartered aircraft is scheduled to take off from Brisbane for the Pacific island at 2am (AEST) with doctors and nurses from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
Australian Government personnel from AusAID, Emergency Management Australia, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will also be on the flight.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith said a Defence C-130 Hercules aircraft departing from Richmond on Thursday would transport humanitarian supplies.
The response is part of a $2 million initial package of support to help Samoa respond to the immediate aftermath of the tsunami,” he said in a statement.
“The support includes disaster relief items such as tents, tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets and water containers.
“Australia extends its condolences to the communities affected by the tsunami, which has caused large scale devastation in the southern region of Samoa.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Samoa.
“As tourist areas have been particularly affected, tourists should consider postponing travel to Samoa at this time,” the warning said.
—Agencies