Wellington, Dec 31 (IANS) – In response to the devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu two weeks ago, the New Zealand government has dispatched additional air force flights to support disaster relief efforts. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130H Hercules aircraft have been conducting multiple missions, following the earthquake that has so far claimed at least 14 lives and left hundreds injured, as confirmed by the New Zealand Defense Force on Tuesday.
Last week, two round-trip flights were completed between New Zealand and Vanuatu, facilitating the rotation of disaster relief staff and equipment, primarily from Fire and Emergency New Zealand. These flights also assisted in evacuating New Zealand nationals from Vanuatu. Following these operations, most personnel initially deployed to Vanuatu have now returned home, according to RNZAF Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott.
Additionally, the Indonesian government has provided emergency aid to Vanuatu to support its ongoing relief efforts. A plane carrying a medical team and 50.5 tonnes of food and logistics departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on December 28. The Indonesian team is set to aid the victims in Vanuatu for a 14-day mission, with Health Minister Budi Sadikin expressing hope that the medical team would provide critical assistance to those affected.
On December 24, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a $5 million contingent disaster financing grant to support the emergency relief in Vanuatu. The funding is part of the fifth phase of the Pacific Disaster Resilience Programme, which aims to strengthen the nation’s disaster management capabilities. This programme is backed by a $20 million concessional loan from the ADB’s ordinary capital resources and a $21 million grant from the Asian Development Fund.
The situation in Vanuatu remains dire, and the government had requested international assistance on December 18 to aid in the relief efforts.
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