PORT VILA, Vanuatu\u2014Vanuatu\u2019s ability to respond more effectively to disasters has been bolstered today with the handing over of three emergency boats, two vehicles and a flatbed truck.<\/p>\n
The timely gesture to support response and relief following disasters, like Cyclone Pam, has been made possible through the European Union\u2019s EUR 19.37 million Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific Project (BSRP), implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC).<\/p>\n
European Union Ambassador to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, H.E. Leonidas Tezapsidis, presented the heavy haulage flatbed truck, boats and vehicles to Lieutenant Colonel Acting Commander, Terry Tulang, of the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF), the Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Shadrack Welegtabit, and the Director-General of the Ministry of Climate Change, Jesse Benjamin, in the capital, Port Vila.<\/p>\n
These items will be used to conduct assessments, transport relief items, evacuate people during emergencies and provide troop transport for first responders following future disaster events.<\/p>\n
These critical items serve to strengthen the relationship and coordination between the country\u2019s Fire Service, the VMF and the NDMO. <\/p>\n
They will be used to support emergency preparation and response, for example, to move personnel, transport relief, distribute critical supplies and improve access to outer islands. <\/p>\n
The flatbed truck will also be used to cart water during times of drought and El Ni\u00f1o, which has been occurring recently throughout the country. <\/p>\n
Ambassador Tezapsidis said: \u201cVanuatu is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. It is imperative, therefore, that its emergency services be properly prepared to respond as swiftly as possible”. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is why the EU supports projects that benefit communities, either directly or in collaboration with government institutions, or development partners such as SPC,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
On March 13, 2015, Vanuatu was hit by the largest cyclone in its history, which caused devastation in many parts of the country. <\/p>\n
Welegtabit said the country has learned from this disaster and continues to work towards building a more resilient Vanuatu for the future. <\/p>\n
\u201cCoordination and working together in times of disaster is critical. These boats and trucks will give communities access to support services in a more coordinated way. We will be able to get staff and resources where they are needed faster,\u201d the NDMO Director said. <\/p>\n
SPC\u2019s Director for Melanesia, Mia Rimon, said providing Pacific governments with the means to address transportation challenges following disasters is a practical and critical form of support for island countries. <\/p>\n
\u201cEnsuring communities can be reached before, during and after disasters like Cyclone Pam is critical. We\u2019re really impressed with the Vanuatu Government\u2019s commitment to improving disaster resilience and know that these trucks and boats will be a huge support in the future,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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