The Pacific island nation appealed for ‘immediate’ help as a state of emergency was declared in the state, which is home to 267,000 people. The assistance package, which will come partly from the bank’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will fund relief and initial reconstruction work in Vanuatu.
The development bank will work with the government of Vanuatu and other partners to conduct an immediate needs assessment to identify and agree on the most urgent and important assistance required.
ADB President Takehiko Nakao pledged the ADB’s full support to all countries affected by the cyclone, both in the immediate aftermath of the disaster and in subsequent rehabilitation and reconstruction work.
‘I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Vanuatu for the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Pam. ADB stands ready to help Vanuatu’s post-cyclone recovery and reconstruction,’ he said.
Meanwhile, the UK is to provide more than £2m in humanitarian support to Vanuatu.
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: ‘Our support will ensure relief agencies can provide temporary shelters protect vulnerable people, especially women and children; and provide emergency supplies as the country responds to this emergency.’
The World Bank said it was looking at ‘every possible avenue’ to help support the people of Vanuatu.
Given the intensity of the event and reports of severe damage, the World Bank said it would explore the possibility of a rapid insurance payout to the government of Vanuatu under its Pacific Disaster Risk Financing Insurance Programme (PCRAFI).
International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde extended her condolences to victims of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. She said an IMF team stands ready to visit the country to help the government assess the macroeconomic situation and determine any financing needs.
The cyclone tore through the archipelago on the evening of March 13, causing damage in some neighbouring countries in the region including Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Solomon Island.
Many families have lost their homes and power supplies, roads and other infrastructure have been left badly damaged.
