Update on Australia’s response to Vanuatu earthquake

Australia's initial humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts following yesterday's devastating Port Vila earthquake will arrive in Vanuatu this afternoon.

Assessments following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake are ongoing, but extensive damage has occurred to buildings in and around Port Vila, and hospitals are under significant pressure as medical staff treat those injured.

In response to requests from the Vanuatu Government, Australia has deployed a $2 million immediate response package, which includes a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and two canines, to undertake urban search and rescue operations.

The Australian DART team will work alongside local authorities to recover people trapped within buildings, conduct safety assessments and remove hazardous materials.

An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) has been deployed to support health authorities treat the injured and to assess further needs.

A five-person Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Crisis Response Team and a Liaison Officer from the National Emergency Management Agency will also be deployed to assist Australia's consular and humanitarian response.

Nine additional Australian Federal Police members will arrive in Port Vila today in addition to the six members already posted to Vanuatu working alongside the Vanuatu Police Force with the emergency response.

These members will assist with command and control to assess how to respond to the incident, setting up emergency communications and drone operations, and undertaking disaster victim identification.

Australia will also provide support to the Vanuatu Government's National Disaster Management Office to assist in managing the emergency response.

These teams have deployed via a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules, with the Australian Defence Force ready to provide further support as needed.

DFAT is aware of a number of Australians in the affected region and is providing consular assistance to those in need.

Australian citizens and permanent residents in Vanuatu can register with DFAT's registration online portal to receive important information and updates and should read the latest travel advice at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

We are working closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ Arrangement on damage assessments and to coordinate our ongoing assistance and support the Vanuatu Government-led response.

Imagery will be available via Dropbox.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

"Australia stands ready to assist the Vanuatu Government as required in this critical time.

"Australia's connection with the government and people of Vanuatu is strong and we will continue to work with them in this time of need."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

"We send our deepest condolences following this dreadful tragedy.

"My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help. This immediate package of support will ensure those in urgent need receive lifesaving assistance."

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus:

"The Australian Federal Police has a proud history of working with their Vanuatu Police Force colleagues.

"The AFP Members living and working in Vanuatu are already assisting with the emergency response and the additional officers will provide additional valuable expertise at this dark time."

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King:

"The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Vanuatu during this devastating disaster, including rapidly deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to support emergency response and early recovery efforts on the ground.

"Their work over the coming days will be incredibly important as they provide practical assistance and significant technical capabilities to support communities and local authorities during these difficult times."

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for International Development and the Pacific Matt Keogh:

"Our thoughts are with the people who have lost loved ones and those displaced by yesterday's devastating earthquake.

"We stand ready to provide further assistance to the people of Vanuatu as the extent of damage becomes clear."