MFA Press Statement: Singapore's Humanitarian Relief Assistance to Sri Lanka And Thailand

Following the despatch of emergency humanitarian and medical supplies to Indonesia yesterday, the Singapore Government will be sending emergency relief and medical supplies to Sri Lanka and Thailand tonight. The despatch of the supplies to the two countries is in response to the requests of the Sri Lankan and the Royal Thai Governments.

The two consignments comprise modular tentages, groundsheets, blankets as well as medical supplies and pre-cooked food rations. In Sri Lanka, where over a million people have been displaced, the Ministry of Welfare will be receiving the supplies. In Thailand, the supplies will be received by the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok to be distributed by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. Singapore Airlines is assisting in the carriage of the relief supplies.

Together with the despatch of an SAF medical team and relief and medical supplies to Indonesia yesterday, they constitute part of the S$2 million humanitarian aid package announced by the Singapore Government on 27 Dec 04 to help with the relief and rescue efforts in countries struck by the earthquake and tsunamis in the Indian Ocean on 26 Dec 04.

A summary of the contributions by the Singapore Government to date is listed in Annex.

The Singapore Government continues to be in contact with the relevant authorities in the disaster-stricken countries and monitor the situation in the relief and rescue efforts. Further requests for assistance and delivery of relief supplies are being considered.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
29 DECEMBER 2004

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Annex

SUMMARY OF SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO REGIONAL DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS

Indonesia

• The first consignment of relief and medical supplies, including tents, blankets, groundsheets, food and medical supplies, was airlifted to Indonesia on a SAF C-130 aircraft on 28 Dec 04. Other consignments will follow.

• 1 SAF medical team departed today

• 4 SAF helicopters (2 Chinooks departed today and 2 Super Pumas departing tomorrow - 30 Dec 2004)

• 1 SAF Landing Ship Tank with a team of engineers and 2nd medical team (departing Friday - 31 Dec 2004)

• 1 SCDF Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) departed today

Thailand

• A consignment of relief and medical supplies, including tents, blankets, groundsheets, food and medical supplies, was airlifted by Singapore Airlines to Thailand on 29 Dec 04.

• 1 SCDF DART team departed today

• Additionally, to assist in the search and rescue efforts, the SAF will offer 4 SAF helicopters (2 Chinooks and 2 Super Pumas).

Sri Lanka

Relief and Medical Supplies

A consignment of relief and medical supplies, including tents, blankets, groundsheets, food and medical supplies, was airlifted by Singapore Airlines to Sri Lanka on 29 Dec 04.

UNDAC

1 SAF officer is serving with UNDAC in Thailand and 1 SCDF Officer is serving with UNDAC in Indonesia.

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Correct as of 29 Dec 04