ADB Allocates $5 Million for Vanuatu Earthquake Assistance
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Manila, Dec 24 (NationPress) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Tuesday that it has allocated $5 million in contingent disaster financing to aid emergency relief operations in Vanuatu following a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake that impacted the capital, Port Vila, on December 17.
This grant is part of the fifth phase of the Pacific Disaster Resilience Programme, which has also played a significant role in enhancing the country's ability to manage and mitigate disaster risks.
The program was backed by a $20 million concessional loan from ADB's ordinary capital resources and a $21 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The aftermath of the earthquake has left the situation in Vanuatu alarming, prompting the government to seek international assistance on December 18.
Following the earthquake, the government of Vanuatu declared a seven-day state of emergency. Reports confirm that at least 14 individuals have lost their lives, with over 200 injured. Authorities expect these numbers to increase.
In support of the national response, international assistance was requested, as stated by Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, in a briefing with reporters.
Local officials reported that the earthquake caused extensive damage, affecting hospitals, residential and public structures, roads, water supply systems, and gas pipelines. Additionally, villages near Efate experienced significant landslides, and communication lines in many areas have been disrupted.
Operations at Port Vila International Airport faced delays due to damage sustained by its terminal and surrounding road networks, although the runway itself was operational, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The airport was initially closed to all commercial flights but resumed operations for commercial airlines on December 22.
Access to the seaport was also hindered by landslides, restricting the movement of essential supplies and personnel.
The United Nations and its partners are mobilizing resources for a response, with OCHA reporting the deployment of response teams, including a UN disaster assessment and coordination team, to the affected regions.
UN humanitarian teams have identified immediate needs such as medical supplies, repairs to healthcare facilities, mobile medical teams, search and rescue units equipped with heavy machinery for debris clearance, as well as provisions for safe drinking water.
