Australia helps evacuate people from Lebanon

Australia helps evacuate people from Lebanon

The Australian defense department said around 85 non-combat personnel were en route to Beirut and Cyprus on Friday to help some 6,500 Australians flee Lebanon over the next few days.

Another 29 diplomatic staff have also been sent to Beirut, Turkey and Cyprus, the department said in a statement.

Prime Minister John Howard's center-right government has faced strong criticism in recent days for allegedly failing to help to Australians in Lebanon, including many dual citizens who say they have been abandoned by consular staff.

About 400 Australians have already been evacuated to Cyprus on Greek and British ships, and the government has announced plans to charter up to six ships to carry some 6,000 people out of Lebanon, according to the AP.