Cabinet has approved  a donation of A$100,000 (T$182,000) to help Australia in its battle against the bushfires which have claimed 27 lives in that country. 

The donation was confirmed by the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Sili said the financial assistance is to reciprocate the continuous support from Australia during Samoa’s times of need. 

“It simply is to show our support during this difficult time for the nation just like how they offered to help us during the recent measles epidemic,” he said. 

“The AUD$100,000 assistance has already been presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the [Australia] High Commissioner…”

Asked where the financial assistance comes from, the Minister said it will be captured under the current financial year that ends in June. 

He explained the money will be noted under “unauthorized expenditure” because it was unforeseen and will be captured in the supplementary estimate. 

The latest reports from CNN news states that over 10 million hectares of Australian land have been burned to the ground with over 1 billion animals lost their lives and injured during the bushfire.