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NZDF aircraft sent to help with surveillance of Vanuatu after destruction from Cyclone Harold

April 8, 2020

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there is also an aircraft ready to deploy with essential supplies if it is needed.

A New Zealand Defence Force aircraft has been sent to Vanuatu to help with surveillance and a second plane stocked with essential supplies is ready for deployment after the small Pacific nation was battered by Cyclone Harold.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the support for Vanuatu during today's Covid-19 response update, saying she "understands" there will be some Kiwis concerned for their families living in the Pacific.

"This morning, a P3 Defence Force aircraft left New Zealand to provide much needed surveillance of damage," Ms Ardern said.

"We also have a C130 ready to deploy with essential supplies.

"In the meantime, our thoughts are with particularly the nation of Vanuatu as they come to grips with the impact of the cyclone."

New Zealand is helping to assess the damage and is sending relief.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters added in a statement early reports show Cyclone Harold has caused major damage to homes, public buildings, infrastructure, telecommunications networks and crops. 

“New Zealand has also made available $500,000 funding to respond to requests from the Government of Vanuatu to procure relief items and assess needs and impacts, and for the release of essential relief items already available on the ground. These are held in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Vanuatu.

“Assessment of the damage is ongoing, and we will consider any further assistance if requested from the Government of Vanuatu,” Mr Peters said.

Extra caution is being taken to supporting Vanuatu, though, with the coronavirus yet to make its way to the small nation - a feat Mr Peters says New Zealand will help keep in tact.

“We are aware that the government of Vanuatu is running a 'keep it out' strategy, and we will give serious consideration to ensure that any response to the cyclone does not lead to the spread of Covid-19 to Vanuatu,” said Mr Peters.

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