Fed: Major Australian developments regarding S-E Asia tsunami

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2004
Fed: Major Australian developments regarding S-E Asia tsunami

CANBERRA, Dec 27 AAP - Major Australian developments today regarding South-East Asia tsunami:



* Five Australians confirmed missing in Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, with at
least 5,500 Australians in affected areas

* More than 250 Australians offered direct consular assistance, with at least 12 in
hospitals in Thailand, Indonesia and India

* Two Australian C130 Hercules head to affected region with water and emergency shelter

* Australia offers $10 million in financial aid

* Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns against travel to parts of Indonesia,
Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

* Many travel operators offer refunds from affected areas

* Prime Minister John Howard leaves open idea to support Indian Ocean tsunami warning system

* Tsunami wave of 50 centimetres passes Australia's Cocos Island, with abnormal waves
and tide movements in north-west Australia



AAP sw/hu/jlw

KEYWORD: QUAKE AUST DEVELOPMENTS

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