A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130J Hercules has departed RAAF Base Amberley to transport a Department of Foreign Affairs advisor and Defence personnel to the Solomon Islands following severe floods.
A team of 11 Australian Defence Force personnel has departed with a specialist advisor from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
This team will conduct an initial assessment to scope what assistance will be required.
The deployment follows a request for assistance from the Government of the Solomon Islands to Australia on 5 April.
Defence is supporting the Australian Government response that is coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The Australian Defence Force has a close relationship with the Solomon Islands people and stands ready to provide additional support to help them recover from these devastating floods.
Requests for further information regarding the situation in Solomon Islands should be directed to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Media note:
Defence is unable to facilitate movement of media to Solomon Islands.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
