Singapore Government Press Release

Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts,

MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369

Tel: 6837-9666

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRESS STATEMENT

AUGMENTING SINGAPORE'S HUMANITARIAN RELIEF ASSISTANCE TO COUNTRIES HIT BY

TSUNAMI IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

The Singapore Government has increased the amount of humanitarian relief package for countries hit by tsunamis from S$2 million to S$5 million in light of the unprecedented severity of the damage caused to the grief-stricken countries in terms of human lives and property.

Besides providing immediate assistance and delivery of relief and medical supplies to the affected countries, the Singapore Government would also consider utilising the expanded humanitarian relief package to contribute to reconstruction efforts in afflicted countries, which can be expected in the next few months.

A second contribution of $500,000 from the expanded package will be made to the Singapore Red Cross Society. This will bring the total value of the Singapore Government's contribution to SRCS to S$1 million.

The Singapore Government had earlier announced a S$2 million humanitarian aid package 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.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

30 DECEMBER 2004