MFAT Tsunami Update 17 At 1700 On Monday 3 December

1 The overall number of persons on our database for the entire affected areas is 3527, of whom 2500 are confirmed alive and well. The number of confirmed deaths stands at two. Eight New Zealanders are hospitalised and of these, we understand that four are due for release within the next 24 hours. The number of those missing and for whom there are most serious concerns has now reduced to seven. There also remains a large number of New Zealanders who are not yet accounted for. This stands at 1010 of which around 65 have been flagged on the basis of further evidence, as warranting a concentrated effort to determine their whereabouts.

Special ASEAN leaders Meeting (Jakarta Summit): Thursday 6 January 2 The Prime Minister will be attending this summit, travelling to Jakarta via Singapore on Wednesday 5 January. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade is joining the Prime Minister in Jakarta. Media arrangements for the PM will be handled by Kathryn Street (021 511 669) and for Mr Goff, by James Funnell (021 278 7233).

Red Cross Call Centre Hours Further Reduced

3 Reflecting a smaller number of calls, the Red Cross will operate 8 am - 8 pm today 3 January and Tuesday 4 January; these hours will be reviewed again on Wednesday 5 January. Thus, the Red Cross call centre (0800 RED CROSS or 0800 733 276) will switch to an answerservice at 10 pm tonight (Monday 3 January) until tomorrow at 8 am.

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