Low supply, food aid delays in Vanuatu

The low supply of certain dry ration items from suppliers in the country is still hampering food distribution to Vanuatu cyclone-affected households. 

The Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC) is distributing food depending on the supply bought by the government, through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). Supplies will be bought once suppliers do their restock.

According to the Communications Officer at the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), Royson Willie, distribution of dry rations did not happen on Tuesday this week because of the issue of availability of stock from suppliers.

“It is not an issue of funds. We do not have enough stock from our local suppliers. Once we get stock, then we will distribute,” he said.

Distribution is still underway in TAFEA Province and Efate as priority affected areas. Some areas like Blacksands received only rice and were assured distribution of other items will be done later during the second relief push.

Epi, Shepherd islands, Paama and Ambrym are the second top priority, followed by PENAMA Province and Merelava Island. Priority 4 areas are TORBA Province, Malekula and Santo.

The government is also receiving dry rations from donor partners. Willie said that more dry rations, including other relief materials from the Government of Fiji were expected to arrive Wednesday.

The MoCC’s Communications Officer added a team is going around areas to verify whether everyone in affected areas have their share of dry rations.

Meanwhile, the government was supposed to release its overall response plan on 05 April, as announced by the Climate Change Minister. The plan will outline priority needs, actions to be undertaken by every cluster/sector and funding required for the Government’s overall response to Tropical Cyclones (TCs) Judy and Kevin. Donor partners will ensure their response aligns with these priority needs.