Media Release
New Zealand Red Cross deploys to Vanuatu
20 December 2024
New Zealand Red Cross is deploying two International Delegates to assist Vanuatu Red Cross following the recent earthquake. The delegates are experienced members of New Zealand Red Cross’s information technology and telecommunications (IT&T) Emergency Response Unit and will provide critical technical support, including equipment like satellite phones and a second Starlink, to help coordinate the earthquake response.
"Our experienced International Delegates are deploying to Vanuatu to support the critical response efforts on the ground. Their expertise in IT and telecommunications is essential to strengthening the response, ensuring that Vanuatu Red Cross can communicate effectively and coordinate logistics in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake."
The delegates and their equipment will travel to Vanuatu on a New Zealand Defence Force flight to support the Vanuatu Red Cross team in strengthening their emergency communications systems.
Vanuatu Red Cross has been actively responding to the earthquake since 17 December, with volunteers helping at Vila Central Hospital and providing first aid and psychological support. They’re also accessing their stock of emergency relief supplies, sufficient to assist 4,000 households, which includes shelter kits, tarpaulins, and solar lanterns. New Zealand Red Cross and other Red Cross National Societies had contributed to restocking these supplies for use in emergency situations.
Vanuatu Earthquakes Appeal
New Zealand Red Cross has launched the Vanuatu Earthquakes Appeal to support relief efforts, providing essential supplies like temporary shelter, water, household supplies and first aid. Donations will help both immediate needs and recovery efforts.
The generous response from New Zealanders, with hundreds of donations received so far, is helping Vanuatu Red Cross provide vital support to those affected.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown by New Zealanders, this appeal reflects the strong bond we share with the Pacific community.”
Statement attributed to:
Sarah Stuart-Black
Secretary General, New Zealand Red Cross.
Lead image:
New Zealand Red Cross International Delegate John Moriarty, who is being deployed to support Vanuatu after the recent earthquake, is pictured here during a previous deployment to Vanuatu.
For more information, please call or email:
media.comms@redcross.org.nz
04 495 0139