Disaster response teams after touching down in Port Vila just after the earthquake. Photo: Department of Defence
Australia is to give another $10m in aid to Vanuatu after that country’s recent earthquake which killed 14 and affected 80,000 people.
The $10m package will focus on education, health and transport and delivered through local partners, the Department of Foreign Affairs says.
Australia already gave $7 million in aid immediately after the offshore 7.3-magnitude quake hit near Port Vila on December 17, 2024.
EARLIER STORIES
Aust sends teams after quakes rock Vanuatu
Aust, NZ send in relief supplies
Foreign Affairs Penny Wong Minister reaffirmed Australia’s support.
“Australia and Vanuatu share a deep and enduring partnership. We are family and we will always be there for Vanuatu in times of need,” she says.
“This recovery package will help accelerate the tireless efforts of the ni-Vanuatu people to rebuild and recover from the tragic impacts of the earthquake.”
Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy says the people of Vanuatu have shown extraordinary resolve and resilience in the face of persistent disasters.
“Australia will continue to show resolve in our support for Vanuatu,” he says
“Australia is committed to supporting the resilience and prosperity of all ni-Vanuatu. Our humanitarian and recovery assistance will help ensure Vanuatu rebounds strongly.”
China has sent earthquake response experts, supplies and engineers to the country at the request of the Vanuatu government while British officials gave nearly $500,000 to UNICEF Pacific to help the children while India has given a very similar amount.
A Radio New Zealand report places the estimated recovery cost at nearly $250m with a two-year timeline for completion.
Reports from Vanuatu also say violence against women has increased as have theft.
Local police inspectors told Radio NZ that there had been nearly 50 assault cases, mostly against women, since the quake struck.
The large numbers of people unemployed and loss of homes has prompted a rise in thefts, authorities have said.
The country is also facing a snap general election this Friday after parliament had been dissolved last November, AFP reports.
