The New Zealand Defence Force has evacuated nearly 100 people from Vanuatu days after a massive earthquake struck the island nation.
Ninety-three people were evacuated overnight, comprised of mostly Kiwis and 12 foreign nationals from Samoa, the United Kingdom, Singapore, France and Finland.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand will continue efforts to aid Vanuatu’s earthquake response.
“Our consular team continues to assist New Zealanders affected by the earthquake in Vanuatu. Any New Zealanders still in Vanuatu who need help should contact [MFAT] on +64 99 20 20 20.”
Defence Minister Judith Collins said she was “proud” of her personnel.
Many thanks to our @NZDefenceForce personnel working with MFAT and Emergency Management to get people into and evacuate out of Vanuatu, to get much needed equipment in. Your Minister is Proud of you. https://t.co/jZVh5tCpgA
New Zealand joins Australia and France on the ground assisting in Vanuatu. According to the ABC, rescue teams had pulled seven survivors from the rubble so far.
On Wednesday, an NZ Defence Force flight carrying urgently needed rescue staff and equipment was forced to divert to New Caledonia after an engine fire warning.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand announced it is sending 34 Usar personnel to Vanuatu’s capital to support the disaster response.
“Their focus will be on executing urban search and rescue operations to support the local emergency management agency,” National Commander Russell Wood said.
The team was prepared to stay in Vanuatu for up to 14 days.
The NZDF has evacuated nearly 100 people. Photo / NZDF
New Zealand Red Cross has launched an appeal to support those affected by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, with donations supporting teams on the ground to provide emergency relief.
“We know how generous and compassionate New Zealanders are and we hope this appeal will provide people a way to send tangible support to the tens of thousands of people in Vanuatu tragically affected by this disaster,” New Zealand Red Cross secretary general Sarah Stuart-Black said.
A one-week state of emergency was declared on Tuesday by the President of the republic, Nikenike Vurobaravu. Police were urging people to adhere to a strict 6pm to 6am curfew.
Police also warned residents there was a greater chance of opportunistic crimes in the wake of the disaster.
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