Devastated communities throughout the Caribbeanwill receive immediate help from an Australian Government emergency reliefcontribution of $200,000, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs,Mr Bruce Billson, announced today.

'Australia will fund the delivery ofurgently needed food, water, sanitation, temporary shelter, and logisticalsupport, including transport and distribution, to victims of HurricanesIvan and Jeanne,' Mr Billson said.

'More than 1,000 people tragically havebeen killed by Hurricane Jeanne on the island of Haiti, and with damageto more than 90 per cent of the country's homes, thousands have been lefthomeless.

'Australia will provide $100,000 to CAREAustralia in Haiti and $100,000 to the International Federation of RedCross and Red Crescent Societies Appeal, for those affected by HurricaneIvan in other Caribbean countries.

'The appeal aims to assist more than85,000 people over six months, now affected by extensive flooding thathas created the risk of diarrhoea and water borne diseases and caused asignificant loss of livestock and damage to crops and infrastructure.

'Haiti's north-west has been particularlyhard hit, especially the town of Gonaives where hundreds of residents wereforced to take refuge on rooftops.

'The area has been in severe droughtover the past eighteen months and this week's heavy rain has further damagedground cover, causing landslides in some parts. People who were alreadyvulnerable because of the drought are now in even greater need.

'In Grenada, about 60,000 people arein need of assistance and about 90 per cent of homes are damaged, withwater, electricity and telephone services having all been cut.

'The Australian Government is committedto responding to disasters in our region and further abroad to help communitiesin desperate need,' Mr Billson said.

In 2004-2005, Australia increased fundingby more than $13 million to $146 million for international humanitarian,emergency and refugee programs.

Media inquiries:

Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's Office) 0408680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489