ANKARA

Australia and New Zealand on Friday announced AUD42.6 million (approximately $28 million) in aid to the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program, which will help Pacific nations and Timor-Leste prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

In a joint statement, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters said the program supports 14 Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to store and manage disaster relief supplies required within 48 hours of a humanitarian emergency.

“As we know all too well, the Pacific is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards and other risks – including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, volcanoes and disease," Peters said.

The program will include supplies for the whole community while also addressing the needs of women, children, and those with disabilities.

“The Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program is an excellent Pacific led initiative, and Australia and New Zealand are proud to back it to help ensure there is easily accessible support and supplies on the ground for communities when disaster strikes," said the top Australian diplomat.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid