Cyclone Maila Kills 11, Australia Pledges Aid

Australia has pledged US$1.7 million in emergency aid to two Pacific nations. The money will help Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila. The storm caused devastating floods and landslides. It killed 11 people. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the aid on Sunday. She said Australia stands "shoulder to shoulder" with its neighbors. Papua New Guinea will receive US$680,000. The Solomon Islands will get US$1.02 million. In the Solomon Islands, remote communities in Western and Choiseul provinces suffered severe damage. The funds will support immediate relief efforts in the affected regions.