19 Apr 2020

NZ Hercules delivers more aid to Vanuatu following cyclone

3:23 pm on 19 April 2020

A second Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules flight is taking more supplies to cyclone-struck Vanuatu, including tarpaulins and other equipment to build temporary shelters.

RNZAF Hercules loaded with supplies for Fiji and Vanuatu

RNZAF Hercules loaded with supplies for Fiji and Vanuatu Photo: NZDF

The flight to Vanuatu follows one last weekend, as well as a flight yesterday to Fiji, which was also hard hit by the severe Cyclone Harold.

Saturday's flight to Nadi delivered more than 2000 tarpaulins, 94 water containers, five diesel generators, 10 chainsaw packs, satellite phones and 550 packs of hygiene products for families such as soap and sanitary items.

An RNZAF Hercules is delivering 2500 tarpaulins, 150 tool kits and more than 350 kilogrammes of hygiene products to Port Vila today.

Supplies for Fiji and Vanuatu loaded onto an RNZAF Hercules

Supplies for Fiji and Vanuatu loaded onto an RNZAF Hercules Photo: NZDF

The flight to Vanuatu last weekend delivered water cans, chainsaw kits, agricultural tool kits and satellite phones.

A helicopter was also taken over to be used in the relief efforts.

To prevent any potential spread of Covid-19, (Vanuatu is currently coronavirus-free), all cargo was sanitised before loading and again upon off-loading.

People wanting to repatriate to New Zealand from Vanuatu and Fiji were also able to take the opportunity to return to New Zealand on the flights.

An RNZAF Hercules assists with aid efforts to Vanuatu and Fiji

An RNZAF Hercules assists with aid efforts to Vanuatu and Fiji Photo: NZDF