ADF supports Vanuatu earthquake response

RAAF Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules aircraft have returned 284 Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals from Vanuatu in the wake of the Port Vila earthquake on December 17.

CAPTION: Australian citizens board a RAAF C-17A flight home at Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila, following the Vanuatu earthquake. Photos by Corporal Adam Abela.

The aircraft also carried Australian disaster response and medical teams to Vanuatu to assist with the recovery efforts.

The Australian Defence Force is preparing to provide further support as needed.

In a joint ministerial statement outlining Australia’s immediate $2 million response package, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia was ready to assist the Vanuatu Government as required.

CAPTION: Australian citizens prepare for their flight out of Vanuatu aboard a RAAF C-17A.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong added Australia’s condolences.

“My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help. This immediate package of support will ensure those in urgent need receive lifesaving assistance,” Senator Wong said.

Australia has deployed a 64-person disaster assistance response team and two canines, to undertake urban search and rescue operations, along with a medical assistance team, a five-person crisis response team from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a liaison officer from the National Emergency Management Agency and a contingent of Australian Federal Police members.

CAPTION: Australian Defence Force, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Aid, Australian Federal Police and Disaster Assistance Recovery Team personnel arrive via a RAAF aircraft in Port Vila, Vanuatu, to begin assistance efforts.

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