The government has declared a state of emergency and is mobilising troops and military advisers to help cope with the threat from a “major earthquake”.
Key points: The government says it has deployed up to 500 personnel to assist the stateThe Federal Government says it will have more than 1,000 troops in the region to assist in responseThe Federal Emergency Management Agency says it is taking steps to ensure “continuous monitoring and response to any potential threat”The State Government has asked Australians to avoid the areas of the state where the quake is felt most, and to avoid travel to areas where people may be in the area.
The Government said it had deployed up for a “critical incident” up to 400 additional personnel and that it will also have more troops on the ground in the coming days.
It said it was “comprehensive” in the preparation for the earthquake and that “all measures will be taken to maintain public safety”.
“We are working with all agencies to ensure the state remains under a state-of-emergency, and our troops and emergency response teams will be there to support our state and region as needed,” the Government said in a statement.ABC/AAPTopics:earthquake,government-and-politics,government,arab-republic