French Polynesia has presented six containers of relief supplies to Vanuatu following the damage caused by Cyclone Pam last month.
Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo: RNZ
The Adviser for Pacific Affairs for French Polynesia's government, Manuel Terai officially handed over the containers to Vanuatu's government at Port Vila wharf today.
In the 20-foot containers were relief items such as fresh water supplies, basic food items, bedding and clothing materials.
Mr Terai said the relief stems from donations by both the public and government.
He explained that images of damages caused by cyclone Pam in Vanuatu struck a chord with many French Polynesians.
"There was a very spontaneous solidarity that was shown by the people of Tahiti for the people of Vanuatu. So we were very impressed by this gesture of generosity. There is another lot of containers arriving on the fifth of May on the same ship - there will be seven containers."
Meanwhile, the Vanuatu Government has channelled further funds from its capital investment scheme into relief projects in the wake of Cyclone Pam.
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan, which was devised as a way to raise funds from selling Vanuatu citizenship to foreigners, has sent 80,000 US dollars to the National Disaster Management Office and 20,000 US dollars to the NGO Friends of People with Special Needs.
The NGO has a project to provide direct assistance to people with disabilities and their families, within their homes.
