Humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu

  • Joint media release

Todaywe announce further humanitarian assistance to support the Government ofVanuatu respond to the latest volcanic eruption on Ambae Island.

Forthe second time since September 2017, volcanic ash has covered AmbaeIsland, making it largely uninhabitable and triggering its evacuation. Ash falland acid rain have damaged crops, contaminated water sources, and pose seriouslong-term health and safety risks to more than 10,000 people. The Government ofVanuatu declared a state of emergency on 12 April and plans to relocate AmbaeIsland communities to neighbouring islands.

Australiais providing $300,000 to support the Government of Vanuatu's evacuation ofAmbae Island, with a particular focus on the needs of women, children andpeople with disabilities. We will provide emergency supplies includingshelter tool kits, hygiene kits and tents to assist people who need to move totemporary relocation sites. We will also provide essential reproductive healthcare, including birthing kits and emergency obstetric and newborn care.

Adisaster risk management expert and logistics officer from Australia arecurrently supporting the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office manage theevacuation. An Australian resettlement expert will be deployed in May tosupport relocation efforts.

Thenew funding commitment is in addition to $3.25 million in support thatAustralia provided for the first evacuation of Ambae Island in October 2017.

Australiais working closely with the Government of Vanautu and partners, including NewZealand and France, to support affected communities.

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