Oxfam is urgently working to provide assistance in Vanuatu after Cyclone Lusi swept through the region last week killing 10 people and impacting an estimated 20,000 more.
The Vanuatu Humanitarian Team (VHT), a group of NGOs, Red Cross and UN Agencies led by Oxfam, is supporting the Vanuatu National Government to coordinate a humanitarian response to the damage caused by the Cyclone.
Oxfam’s International Coordinator of the VHT, Jennifer Worthington, said initial assessments have indicated damage across several provinces.
“The impact we’re seeing is significant and widespread as the cyclone moved across the whole country from Torba Province and tore a path of destruction through to the south,” Ms Worthington said.
“It is estimated that 20,000 people have been affected by this disaster with extensive damage to agriculture and water supplies not to mention the terrible loss of lives.
“The VHT is urgently assisting the Government to assess the immediate humanitarian needs in the region and ensure assistance is delivered to the areas most affected.
“The work of Oxfam within the VHT until now has largely focused on disaster-preparedness and technical advice on humanitarian assistance in Vanuatu.
“This disaster will be a true test of the VHT’s ability to respond to a disaster in the region and we are standing-by ready to deliver assistance to the community.”
For interviews or more information, please contact Emma Whalan on 0418 873 782 or emmawhalan@oxfam.org.au
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