Australia extends aid to cyclone-hit Vanuatu
Xinhua, March 15, 2015 Adjust font size:
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced on Sunday that the Australian government will provide support to Vanuatu, as the Pacific island responds to the devastation inflicted by Tropical Cyclone Pam.
"This support responds to a request from the government of Vanuatu. Australia stands with Vanuatu, our close friend and partner, at this difficult time. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to all those affected," Bishop said in a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) statement.
The initial package of assistance from Australia will include 5 million AU dollars (3.8 million U.S. dollars) to assist the efforts of Australian non-government organizations, the Red Cross and United Nations partners.
The deployment of humanitarian supplies from Australia, including water and sanitation and shelter kits, will assist up to 5,000 people.
As part of the assistance package, an Australian medical team and an urban search and rescue assessment team will be sent to Vanuatu and an Australian disaster expert to the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team.
A first contingent of Australian officials and supplies arrived in Port Vila, Vanuatu at noon local time, the DFAT statement said.
Vanuatu declared a state of emergency on Sunday after at least eight people were confirmed killed by Tropical Cyclone Pam. Endi