Vanuatu relief operation expected this week

Disaster authorities in Vanuatu are planning to roll out relief support this week for victims of Cyclone Hola which struck the country earlier this month.

Teams sent to carry out assessments in the worst affected communities returned to the capital over the weekend and a detailed operation plan is now being finalised for government approval.

The operations manager of the National Disaster Management Office, Peter Korisa, said he wanted to see supplies reaching people by the end of the week.

"In this type of country like Vanuatu, people are already vulnerable so whenever there is such impact or such a shock to the community definitely it will push them down," he said.

"So we will sort of help them with the basic. Very basic humanitarian needs like food, water and of course sanitation."

"And of course in the long term that is another issue that we will deal with after this first response."

Peter Korisa said shelter is also a priority concern in some communities where homes and schools have been completely destroyed and damaged.

 

Photo file Facebook