Homeless Still Awaiting Help after Cyclone Pam

About 400 people who lost their homes after Cyclone Pam whipped through Vanuatu, say they have not received sufficient aid from the government or relief agencies to survive. The homeless group is now living in the Freswota School in Port Vila, where they sought refuge during the storm. 

Charlie Nirua, one of the 393 people whose homes were completely destroyed said, "After the cyclone, about a week now, we haven't received any urgent relief from the government or any NGOs or any other departments.” 

"They only give us biscuits and water and all this, just a small quantity of food for people to survive with,” he continued. 

Reuters reports that relief groups are working to get food, water and other supplies to the hardest hit areas of the archipelago nation. 

Still, Nirua said those taking shelter in the school have not seen help. 

"Nothing at all,” he said. “We saw planes coming, landing but we haven't heard anything about releasing all the food and all the supplies for the people. We're still waiting for the government to respond for that."

According to Reuters, France, Australia and New Zealand are sending boats and helicopters to reach the remote islands with supplies. 

Publication date: March 20, 2015