NZDF Continues Vanuatu Aid Effort

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) sealift and amphibious support ship HMNZS CANTERBURY has arrived in Port Vila carrying further aid to support Vanuatu’s recovery from the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Pam.

HMNZS CANTERBURY will offload 150 tonnes of food and other supplies at Port Vila before loading aid including hygiene packs and water purification equipment, destined for Epi Island and others in the Shepherd Islands group about 100 kilometres north of Port Vila.

A C-130 Hercules from Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland at Whenuapai is due in Port Vila later today, carrying medical supplies and telecommunications equipment to replace and repair installations damaged by the cyclone.

An RNZAF B200 King Air from 42 Squadron in Ohakea is also busy in Vanuatu, transporting aid co-ordinators and carrying out reconnaissance flights to assess damage and help plan relief efforts.

"Our aim is to really support the people of Vanuatu and now that HMNZS CANTERBURY is here we have the supplies to address immediate needs such as, providing clean water, materials to repair buildings and the ability reassure the local people,” says Commander of the New Zealand Task Force, Colonel Glenn King.

ENDS

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