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Image gallery Operation home - Pakistan

After a tough 10 week-long operation, the Australian Medical Task Force have been welcomed home at RAAF Base Amberley.

The Australian health facility, dubbed 'Camp Cockatoo' provided primary health care to over 11,000 flood-affected people in the Kot Addu region from 02 September to 20 October.  

The Pakistan floods began in July and the United Nations estimate that more than 21 million people were injured or left homeless as a result of the flooding. It's estimated that over 2000 people lost their lives.

Senator David Feeney, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, praised the effort of the AMTF in providing assistance to Pakistan during the crisis.

"The Australian Government and the Australian people are very appreciative of the dedication and skill you have brought to the great work you have been doing for the distressed people of Pakistan. You have upheld the best traditions of the ADF and of Australia. You have added to Australia's high reputation in the countries of our region," he said.

AusAID Team Leader, Thanh Le said that most of the displaced people in the flood-affected Kot Addu area have returned to their homes, marking the end of the need for primary medical aid.

"Despite the devastation, most of the residents in the Kot Addu area have now returned to their homes and the main local government hospital (THQ) has returned to a pre-flood patient load," he explained.

Air Marshal Mark Binskin, Chief of Air Force said the successful combination of the Defence and civilian medical teams had enabled the smooth delivery of primary healthcare and brought emergency treatment to more than 11,000 flood victims.

"The whole of government effort to assist Pakistan has been very successful.

"While this marks the end of the medical assistance during this crisis it does not mark the end of our assistance to help Pakistan recover and rebuild from this disaster," he added.