MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 March 2015, 6PM

Save the Children says the challenges for Vanuatu rival Super Typhoon Haiyan

Save the Children's Vanuatu director Tom Skirrow has described the logistical challenges as even worse than for Super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in November 2013, killing more than 7,000 people and affecting a massive 14 million.

"I was present for the Haiyan response and I would 100 percent tell you that this is a much more difficult logistical problem," he said.

"The numbers are smaller but the percentage of the population that's been affected is much bigger."

Sally Page, Save the Children’s New Zealand Communications Manager, is on the ground in Vanuatu.

“Schools are closed, given the widespread destruction across the islands, and it’s uncertain when they will re-open.

Save the Children will be leading the education recovery efforts to rehabilitate schools in partnership with the Vanuatu Ministry of Education so children can get back to school soon as possible.”

Save the Children crews are planning to reach the badly affected islands tomorrow (Wednesday) with deliveries of food, water and hygiene items.

ENDS

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