The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said India will provide Rs 4.3 crore as assistance to Vanuatu for rehabilitation and reconstruction following a 7.3-magnitude earthquake last month that killed 14 people and injured hundreds.
“As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Vanuatu, the Government of India extends a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The massive earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila on December 17, triggering landslides, crushing cars and destroying buildings.
As many as 14 people were killed and more than 250 others sustained injuries.
Multiple landslides were triggered across the island nation, damaging its international shipping terminal in Port Vila, as well as its international airport.
A tsunami damaged submarine cables providing internet connectivity to the island nation.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), around 2,435 individuals remained displaced for a week after the earthquake.
The Indian government conveyed its condolences to the government and people of Vanuatu for the damage and destruction.
India also “conveyed its readiness to extend all possible support and assistance in this time of difficulty”, the External Affairs Ministry said.
“India has firmly stood by Vanuatu during times of difficulty and devastation caused by natural disasters. The disaster risk reduction and management is an important pillar of the country’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) unveiled in November 2019,” the ministry said.
“India is committed to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder in the region,” added the MEA statement.
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In recent years, India has looked to the Pacific Island countries, offering aid for quick-impact projects and attempting to be a first responder to natural disasters in the region.
