148 Australians Return Home From Quake-Stricken Vanuatu

Australia’s relief efforts in Vanuatu have begun after the tiny island nation was struck by two earthquakes and a number of aftershocks this week.

Australians board flights home from Vanuatu. Courtesy of DFAT

Overnight, 148 Australians returned home from Vanuatu following recent earthquakes that devastated the tiny Pacific island.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) announced that two Royal Australian Air Force humanitarian flights—an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules—had left Port Villa, arriving in Australia overnight.

Port Villa’s commercial airport remains closed.

While the death toll from the quakes was estimated at 14, the Australian government confirmed that none of the casualties had been citizens.

Australia’s initial humanitarian assistance arrived in Port Villa on the afternoon of Dec. 18.

Relief workers fly in from Australia. Courtesy of DFAT

In a joint statement, minister said that while investigations were ongoing, it appeared there had been extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in Vanuatu.

The statement was released by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Acting Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King and Acting Minister for the Pacific Matt Keogh.

Hospitals in the region are also under significant pressure trying to treat the injured.

At the latest estimate, more than 200 people are believed to be injured.

An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) will assist health authorities in Vanuatu.

In response to requests from the Vanuatu government, Australia has deployed a $2 million immediate response package, which includes a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and two search and rescue dogs.

An Australian rescue dog and its handler ready to help find people trapped in collapsed buildings. Courtesy of DFAT

The DART team will work alongside local authorities to recover people trapped within buildings and help to make areas safe.

According to some reports, some flattened buildings are believed to have around a dozen people trapped inside, with some believed dead.

A five-person DFAT Crisis Response Team and a Liaison Officer from the National Emergency Management Agency will also be deployed to assist..

Attorney-General Dreyfus said some Australian officers were already stationed in Vanuatu and would join Australia’s relief efforts.

“The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has a proud history of working with their Vanuatu Police Force colleagues,” he said.

“The AFP members living and working in Vanuatu are already assisting with the emergency response and the additional officers will provide additional valuable expertise at this dark time.”

Deputy leader Marles reiterated Australia’s support.

“Australia’s connection with the government and people of Vanuatu is strong and we will continue to work with them in this time of need.”