Additional humanitarian support for Vanuatu

  • Joint media release

Australiais deploying additional humanitarian supplies to provide relief to communitiesdisplaced from Vanuatu's Ambae Island due to volcanic activity.

Theevacuation of the residents of Ambae Island - approximately 11,600 people - isnow complete. Around 8,000 people have been evacuated to the island of EspirituSanto, and around 3,000 more to nearby islands of Pentecost and Maewo.

Australiais delivering much needed humanitarian supplies to meet the needs of up to7,500 people. Tents for temporary shelter, kitchen supplies and lighting willprovide relief to families and improve community safety. Australian assistancewill also provide access to clean water.

TheAustralian Defence Force delivered the first two loads of supplies toLuganville on Tuesday and Wednesday via a C-17 transport aircraft, adding tothose already provided by New Zealand. Further supplies will be delivered bythe Australian Defence Force over the coming days. HMAS Choules, whicharrived in Vanuatu this morning, will assist with the distribution of reliefsupplies between islands.

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