CANBERRA—Australia will contribute $1 million to support emergency relief efforts in China's earthquake-ravaged Sichuan Province.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the aid would be channelled through the Red Cross and be delivered by the Red Cross Society of China.
He said Australia's contribution would help provide much-needed emergency provisions such as tents, blankets, jerry cans and water purification tablets, as well as emergency Red Cross medical teams and essential medical supplies.
"All Australians have been deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life and suffering of so many people following the catastrophic earthquake in China's Sichuan Province on May 12," Mr Smith said in a statement.
"The Red Cross estimates the death toll could climb to as high as 100,000 and estimates that about four million homes have been completely destroyed or partially damaged.
"The worst affected areas are reported to be inaccessible due to damage to roads, rail and telephone lines, which is hampering relief efforts."
Mr Smith said Chinese authorities had acted quickly to respond to the disaster.
"I have spoken to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi to offer my sympathies and to pass on Australia's best wishes to the Chinese authorities as they carry out urgent search and rescue operations and coordinate emergency responses," he said.
"Foreign Minister Yang greatly appreciated Australia's immediate offer of practical assistance of the expert urban search and rescue capabilities of the Emergency Management Australia."
He said Mr Yang advised the Chinese government was unable to accept the offer as a result of logistical difficulties faced by the rescue operation in the affected region.
"Australia will continue to discuss with China how Australia might assist China further at this terrible time," Mr Smith said.
Feeds