ANZAC Force Observes Minute's Silence In Sumatra

Australian and New Zealand Defence Force personnel supporting the Indonesian-led tsunami relief and reconstruction effort on the island of Sumatra paused for a minute silence on Sunday, 16 January 2005, to mark a National Day of Mourning and Reflection for victims of the Boxing Day 2004 Indian Ocean earthquakes and tsunamis.

Australian Defence personnel are part of a co-operative national Australian tsunami relief effort involving the ADF, DFAT (AusAID), and Emergency Management Australia.

Water, tentage, medical supplies and support, blankets and other emergency provisions, logistical support, and Army Engineers reconstruction capabilities have been provided.

The Australian Navy transport ship HMAS Kanimbla arrived at Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on 13 January 2005 to support tsunami relief and reconstruction with resources including a detachment of Australian Army Engineers and their earthmoving equipment. Kanimbla is part of support provided by Australian Government agencies at the request of the Indonesian Government. Water, tentage, medical supplies, blankets and other emergency provisions, and logistical support have been provided. In the tsunami-devastated provincial capital of Banda Aceh, the Australian Defence Force has set up water purification plant; have established the Anzac Field Hospital, a field hospital operated jointly by medical personnel of the ADF and the New Zealand Defence Force; and are working with Indonesian authorities on restoring essential infrastructure and services.

A potable water truck offloads from a landing craft to support tsunami relief and reconstruction operations in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
(Date taken: 15 January 2005)

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