Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has offered the country’s support to Vanuatu after the disasters brought on by tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin.
PM Marape offered his sympathies to the people of Vanuatu and said that Papua New Guinea (PNG) stood ready to assist its Melanesian brother regain its footing after natural disasters hit the island nation last Friday.
According to the Fiji Meteorology Service, Vanuatu was first hit by Category 4 tropical Cyclone Judy and two days later by Tropical Cyclone Kevin, with winds measuring up to 230 kilometers an hour.
In addition to the natural disaster caused by the cyclones, two earthquakes hit on Friday as well that registered 6.5 and 5.4 in magnitude respectively.
No casualties have been reported as yet, but hundreds of people remain in emergency evacuation centers in the Capital of Port Vila.
PM Marape said his government would do everything to help the people of Vanuatu overcome these disasters.
“I am very concerned to hear this news of destruction and damage brought about by the cyclones. Our Pacific Island states are prone to natural disasters of all kinds and the smaller island countries feel the effects, even bigger countries like PNG. As Pacific people, we always stand together united to face these challenges.”
“PNG and Vanuatu share a long history of working together and at this time when our Melanesian wantok needs our help, once more we will give the needed support to help those affected rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Cyclone Kevin.”
Meanwhile, PNG also felt the impacts of the two cyclones with the strong winds and heavy rains, although not as bad as Vanuatu did.
Provinces like West New Britain felt the impact of it with strong winds and rain causing damages. PM Marape stated that assessments of the damages would be carried out and government support would also be given to the affected Papua New Guineans.