New Zealand is providing assistance to Vanuatu following yesterday’s devastating earthquake, with a NZDF surveillance plane due to fly over Vanuatu this morning to help assess the damage caused by the quake.
“Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need,” said Foreign Minister, Winston Peters.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be doing all we can to help.”
Mr Peters confirmed the Government was offering to send an urban search and rescue team and relief supplies to Vanuatu later today, once the airport in Port Vila has re-opened.
New Zealand emergency medical, civil defence, consular and humanitarian officials will also deploy as part of this operation, he said.
“With communications still badly affected as a result of the earthquake, it is going to take some time to work through with Vanuatu what assistance it needs in the days ahead.”
New Zealanders in Vanuatu in need of consular assistance are encouraged to contact the 24/7 emergency consular line on +64 99 20 20 20 as soon as they are able.
“We will continue to assess how best to assist New Zealanders in Vanuatu, who are encouraged to follow guidance provided by local authorities,” Mr Peters said.
