Published: 12:24, December 23, 2024
Australian govt commits humanitarian aid for Vanuatu
By Xinhua
The inside of a building damaged is seen in Port Vila, Vanuatu, following a powerful earthquake, Dec 17, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

CANBERRA - The Australian government has announced additional humanitarian assistance for Vanuatu after the Pacific island nation was hit by a devastating earthquake.

The government on Sunday committed an additional 5 million Australian dollars ($3.1 million) in practical humanitarian assistance for the people of Vanuatu. It follows an initial humanitarian aid package worth 2 million AUD (1.2 million USD).

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement issued on Sunday, with four other ministers that the new funding would support the next phase of Vanuatu's emergency response to the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that hit on Dec 17.

The new package includes 2.5 million AUD ($1.5 million) for medical care for those injured and to supply water, sanitation and hygiene products and services.

ALSO READ: Vanuatu calls for aid as hospital 'over capacity' after massive quake

The final two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) repatriation flights for citizens who were in Vanuatu at the time of the earthquake landed in Brisbane on Sunday night with 118 passengers on board.

The RAAF flights evacuated 686 Australians in total.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that the resumption of commercial services from Port Vila on Sunday meant that the RAAF flights were no longer necessary.