With the installation of the water purification plant in Bandeh Aceh, the local and surrounding communities will now have access to potable drinking water. The plant can produce 20,000 litres per day and the ADF team estimate 320,000 litres per day will be available.

Australian Army medical officer Captain Mark Hanley, on his way to treat injured residents, walks past the collapsed shopping centre in Banda Aceh.

Leading Aircraftman Epps hands over to a Banda Aceh resident the first container of drinkable water from a water purification plant installed by Australian Army and Air Force engineers. There had been no supply of clean water from the main water system of Banda Aceh since tsunamis hit the city on 26 December.

Banda Aceh residents display their gratitude to the Australian Defence Force for supply of clean fresh drinking water.

The worldwide effort sees not only drinking water but food and medical supplies being distributed to many areas. The ADF work around the clock bringing supplies from Medan to Aceh for distribution.

Medical teams are now establishing themselves on the ground in Aceh and are treating injured civilians from the Aceh area.