Indonesia Sends Humanitarian Assistance for Earthquake Victims in Vanuatu

The Government of Indonesia has delivered humanitarian assistance to assist earthquake victims in Vanuatu.

IDXChannel - The Government of Indonesia has delivered humanitarian assistance to assist earthquake victims in Vanuatu. The Pacific country was shaken by a strong earthquake on 17 December 2024. 

The disaster killed at least 14 people. Moreover, 200 people were injured and around 950 had to take refuge. 

The earthquake also caused damages to buildings and public infrastructure, disruptions to clean water and electricity supply as well as telephone and internet access.

"The delivery of the assistance is carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the National Agency for Disaster Relief (BNPB), Coordinating Minister for Human Empowerment and Culture (Kemenko PMK), the Ministry of Health and other government agencies including the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra which is also accredited to Vanuatu," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a media release on Friday (27/12/2024).

The humanitarian assistance was officially dispatched at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport on 27 December 2024 and arrived in Vanuatu on 28 December 2024.

The assistance includes assignment of emergency medical team, grants of medical equipments and medicines as well as logistical supports for basic needs.

Indonesia had provided similar assistance to Vanuatu in the past, in 2015 and 2023, to overcome disasters caused by cyclones.

"The delivery of this humanitarian assistance reaffirms Indonesia's commitment to strengthening its role as reliable development partner to the Pacific region and is expected to support the region’s resilience to disasters," the Ministry said.

"The step taken by the Government of Indonesia is in line with the vision of countries in the region as stipulated in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent that guides all members of the Pacific Islands Forum," it stated. (Wahyu Dwi Anggoro)