Kiwi airforce steps up evacuations from cyclone-stricken Vanuatu
Xinhua, March 17, 2015 Adjust font size:
The New Zealand air force Tuesday dispatched two more aircraft to help with evacuations of New Zealanders from cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu following the successful repatriation of 89 people the day before.
The 89 New Zealanders returned aboard two Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft late on Monday, said a statement from the New Zealand Defence Force.
The air force was also continuing aid flights and repatriation from Vanuatu Tuesday with the departure of a Boeing 757 and another C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The repatriations were being carried out at the request of New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to reduce any backlog for commercial carriers when flights resumed.
Priority was being given to those with medical conditions, the elderly and families with children.
On Monday, the two Hercules aircraft flew tons of essential aid to Vanuatu, along with specialist personnel from various agencies and an air force aero-medical evacuation team.
Squadron Leader Matt Ferris, who was flying one of Monday's missions, said it was sad to see the carnage and disaster left by Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu.
"People here will be living with the consequences of this for years," Ferris said in the statement. Endi