The Australian Government will provide an initial $800,000 to support the Government of Vanuatu’s immediate response to Tropical Cyclone Lola, and is liaising closely with the Government of Solomon Islands on its needs following the cyclone.
The package will provide essential items for impacted communities, including shelter and water purification supplies, in line with the Government of Vanuatu’s priorities.
Funding will also support the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) with leading Australian NGOs, to deliver additional essential, targeted and effective humanitarian assistance to local communities impacted by the cyclone.
This builds on Australia’s ongoing support to Pacific communities and governments, to better prepare for and respond to disasters, including through the AHP Disaster READY program.
The Royal Australian Air Force has supported Vanuatu and Solomon Islands with aerial assessments of the damage caused by the cyclone and will assist with the delivery of humanitarian relief supplies.
Australia is also working closely with France and New Zealand through the FRANZ humanitarian coordination mechanism, which coordinates support from the three partners at the request of Pacific partners.
Australia is a reliable and steadfast partner to countries in the Pacific in times of need. Australia will continue to provide support to the governments and people of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, as required, to recover and rebuild.
Foreign Minister, the Hon Senator Penny Wong said:
“Our thoughts are with the people living in communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Lola. For Vanuatu, this is the third Tropical Cyclone they’ve experienced this year.
“In times of crisis, the people and the Governments in the Pacific can always rely on Australia, as a member of the Pacific family, to support their response.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:
“Australia is proud to be a longstanding partner in the Pacific at times such as this. We know it’s crucial to move quickly to help our partners respond, to minimise the long-term impacts.
“Working closely with partners through mechanisms like the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and the FRANZ arrangement ensures our efforts are well coordinated and deliver support efficiently to those most in need.”