6 Nov 2018

Supplies for Ambaeans in Vanuatu capital run dry

4:50 pm on 6 November 2018

A food centre in Port Vila has run out of supplies and the local Disaster Committee is appealing for more donations to help meet the needs of Ambaeans in the Vanuatu capital.

Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo: RNZI

The government ordered a compulsory evacuation of the approximately 10,000 people on Ambae over two months ago, with the majority moving to Santo and Maewo while the number of evacuees in and around Port Vila has increased from 600 to 1,300.

Henry Vira from the supply centre told the Daily Post newspaper that it's heart breaking to have to turn people away who fled the volcano on Ambae.

Mr Vira said the government's National Disaster Management Office had not responded to their request to donate food to the centre.

However, he said the Office continued to donate towards centres in Luganville on Santo and Maewo island.

The State of Emergency which triggered the evacuation, ends on 26 November and the government is reported to have given the islanders the choice to return if they wish.

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