(WASHINGTON, DC) - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is tripling its emergency humanitarian aid to the victims of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean region to U.S. $30 million in view of the recent assessment of the magnitude of the tragedy. The Kingdom’s assistance will be coordinated with United Nations agencies in order to ensure speedy and effective delivery of aid to the victims of this disaster. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to reassess the situation.

In addition to the $30 million allocated by the Kingdom, the Saudi-based Islamic Development Bank on Sunday earmarked U.S. $10 million for relief efforts, and continues to assess the future needs of the affected areas in coordination with United Nations’ relief agencies and local authorities.

The first Saudi relief planes arrived in the region on Sunday loaded with 150 tons of food, medical supplies, tents and blankets for the victims of the tsunami. Saudi Arabia reiterates its call on the international community to step up efforts and to enhance coordination with the United Nations to deliver timely assistance to all those devastated by the tsunami.