Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
56 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the humanitarian assistance the Government has provided to help the victims of the recent serious train disaster in North Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14563/04]
View answerOn 22 April 2004, a massive explosion occurred at Ryongchon railway station in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea when railway wagons, reported to be loaded with highly-combustible ammonium nitrate, detonated and exploded.
Initial reports of casualties caused by the explosion varied greatly. There were early reports that up to 3,000 people had perished. However, latest assessments indicate that the train disaster has left 161 people dead and approximately 1,300 people injured. Among the dead were 76 children, whose school was destroyed in the blast. Some 1,850 homes were also destroyed and over 6,000 more sustained partial damage.
The Government responded immediately to appeals for international assistance for victims of the disaster and on 23 April funding of up to €200,000 in emergency assistance was approved. Of this funding, €100,000 has been allocated to the International Federation of the Red Cross for its disaster appeal. The Red Cross has requested US$1.25 million for 12 months to assist 2,000 families affected by the explosion. Temporary shelter, blankets, food and medical assistance have been provided to those left homeless by the disaster and further rehabilitation assistance will be provided by the Red Cross in the coming months.
Further assistance for victims of the disaster will be considered by the Government in the light of needs assessments and situation reports from the United Nations, Red Cross and other relevant humanitarian agencies.
In the past year, approximately €900,000 has been provided by the Government for ongoing humanitarian operations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This funding has been channelled through the World Food Programme, WFP, and the NGO, Concern, and aims to meet food needs as well as bringing about improvements in water supply and sanitation.
