November 7, 2010
Ottawa, Ontario - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that Canada would provide humanitarian support for those affected by the series of recent eruptions of Mount Merapi and the tsunami that hit the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia on October 25.
"With this assistance, Canada will support the Indonesian Red Cross to assist almost 30,000 people affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions. This support will provide non-food items, emergency shelter materials, health services, and access to potable water and emergency latrines," said Minister Oda.
Canada's response of $100,000 will be provided to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and will support the efforts of the Indonesian Red Cross.
On October 25, 2010, two disasters struck Indonesia: the eruption of Mount Merapi and the earthquake that caused the tsunami that hit the Mentawai Islands. The series of volcanic eruptions have since displaced more than 100,000, and the tsunami has affected more than 15,000 people on the Mentawai Islands.
Indonesia is one of CIDA's countries of focus in Asia. In 2008-2009, CIDA contributed $79.32 million in development assistance to Indonesia. This figure includes assistance to reconstruction initiatives following the 2004 tsunami.
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Information:
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-9528
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
