Disaster response team members board a C-17 at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, yesterday. Picture: Department of Defence
Australia has sent a 64-person disaster response team to Port Vila as Vanuatu starts to recover from Tuesday’s deadly 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
The federal government says there has been extensive damage to buildings in, and around, the capital, Port Vila, with hospitals under significant pressure as medical staff treat the injured.
The confirmed death toll is 14 with 200 injured according to reports but that total is expected to climb.
About 150 Australians are reported to have returned home via Royal Australian Air Force flights.
The team’s presence, and two dogs, will take part in urban search and rescue operations to recover those trapped within buildings, conduct safety assessments and remove hazardous materials.
Other assistance includes:
- a medical team to help the hospitals;
- a five-person Foreign Affairs crisis response team and a National Emergency Management Agency liaison officer; and
- nine more federal police officers to join six colleagues working with Vanuatu police.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, currently on a visit to the Middle East, says Australia stands ready to help Vanuatu.
“… we will continue to work with them in this time of need,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong offered Australia’s condolences:
“We send our deepest condolences following this dreadful tragedy,” the minister, who is currently on a visit to the Ukraine,” she said.
“My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help.”
Australian citizens and permanent residents in Vanuatu can register with DFAT’s registration online portal to receive important information and updates and should read the latest travel advice at www.smartraveller.gov.au
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 6 261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).
NZ HELP
The Royal NZ Air Force also sent one of its new C-130J Super Hercules to Port Vila this morning carrying search and rescue equipment to add to teams and resources flown out yesterday.
A Kiwi P-8 Poseidon has already conducted more surveillance flights of Vanuatu with a Boeing 757 due to fly in more stores and supplies today.
A RNZAF C-130H Hercules involved in a relief flight from NZ to Vanuatu had to be diverted to Noumea, New Caledonia. due to an engine scare and parts had to be flown to it.
