22 Jan 2019

Vanuatu government gives green light to Ambae return

From , 4:06 pm on 22 January 2019

The government in Vanuatu has approved a plan to restore services to the island of Ambae where an erupting volcano has disrupted the lives of thousands of people for more than a year.

The plan approved by the Council of Ministers last week includes food distribution, re-opening hospitals, restoring phone services and supporting police to oversee the return of evacuees.

Augustine Garae of the Vanuatu Red Cross told Jenny Meyer some of those who left for enighbouring islands have already established new lives but many are beginning to return to Ambae now that the government has pledged its support.

Ambae volcano ash

Photo: Philippe Carillo - Fusion productions Ltd