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Australia evacuates volunteers in cyclone-hit Vanuatu

Xinhua, March 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced on Friday that Australian consular officials have evacuated eight young volunteers from Pentecost island, Vanuatu.

The eight volunteers include three Australians, two New Zealand citizens and three Canadians.

Meanwhile, consular officials have also evacuated six young volunteers located on Ambae on Friday, including three Australians, one Canadian, one New Zealand citizen and one British citizen.

Earlier on Thursday, Australian consular officials evacuated by helicopter five young volunteers from Pentecost Island, including two Australians, one New Zealand citizen and two United Kingdom nationals.

"All 19 volunteers are now safe and well and have been able to speak to their families. They are all being cared for by their host organisation. DFAT (The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) has been in regular contact with their families and stands ready to provide any further assistance as required," Bishop was quoted in a DFAT statement.

DFAT said that communications are returning to some parts of Vanuatu, though intermittent.

"Airstrips are damaged on many islands, so contact with and travel to these areas is difficult. Our consular staff in Vanuatu are continuing to make all efforts to contact and assist all Australians."

Vanuatu was hit by Tropical Cyclone Pam last week, killing 24 people. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Pam had been one of the most powerful cyclones to make landfall, with winds estimated to have reached 250 km/hr with gusts of 320 km/hr over the weekend. Endi