Perth ready with compassion, understanding for MH370 families

Preparations in the Western Australia state capital of Perth for the arrival of Chinese and other families of those on board the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are "well in train," Perth Mayor Lisa Scaffidi told Xinhua Thursday [Special coverage]

"Perth is already having high-level meetings looking at the logistical arrangements that will be required to suitably accommodate and deal with this group of people plus all the ongoing forensic elements that might be a part of this," Scaffidi said in a phone interview.

"From the city government perspective, I see our role as being more ambassadorial and one of support. We've already put e-mails out to ascertain how many people would be prepared to be Chinese translators for those who might be coming here and for other forms of assistance."

Accommodation in the city was expected to be hard pressed, particularly next month during a major petroleum and exploration industry conference, but the Australian Hotels Association was working to ascertain how many rooms would be available for MH370 families.

"I believe, with such strong coordination, there will be accommodation for all who require it," she said.

With the search of the southern Indian Ocean being conducted from Perth and the nearby Royal Australian Air Force Base Pearce, people in Perth had shared the global concern over the mystery of the Malaysian airliner's disappearance.

In the remote southwestern corner of Australia, in a time zone three hours removed from the national capital of Canberra, Perth residents are deeply reliant on air travel themselves.

"I can honestly say that the Western Australian public have been embracing the concern as has the world as to why this has occurred," said Scaffidi.

"We all know that there but for the grace of God, it could have been any one of us on this flight and we all feel therefore for the victims and now also we understand the mourning and the loss of the families," she said.

"We're all used to travelling long distances given the geographic location. Everybody here is really concerned that this has occurred so near our city and we're ready to embrace and show as much compassion and respect to the families and all concerned."