Australia will give another 4.5 million Australian dollars (3.4 million US dollars) to the quake- ravaged South Asian nations, bringing Australia's total aid to 10 million dollars (7.6 million US dollars).

Announcing the commitment Tuesday, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the latest contribution will go to United Nations agencies and Australian non-government organizations (NGOs) active in the region.

"Australian funding will go to the World Health Organization ( WHO) for medical supplies, field hospitals and emergency kits and to UNICEF for water containers and purification tablets," Downer said in a statement.

"The Australian funding for NGOs will be provided to those who can be immediately effective in meeting urgent water, sanitation and shelter needs," he said.

"The increased funding comes in expectation of a significant Flash Appeal by the United Nations. Our additional funding reflects early advice of Pakistan's priorities and UN need," he said.

Australia's extra assistance also came as Pakistan High Commission in Australia launched an appeal Tuesday for victims of the earthquake, calling on the Australian government to donate medicine, tents and first aid kits to the relief effort.

Source: Xinhua