Canada increases its support in response to the humanitarian needs of those affected by Cyclone Pam
March 23, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced additional Canadian funding to support the work of World Vision Canada in responding to the humanitarian impact of Cyclone Pam, which struck Vanuatu in the South Pacific on Friday, March 13, destroying thousands of homes.
“The destruction caused by this cyclone is devastating for the people of Vanuatu,” said Minister Paradis. “Over half of the country’s population has been affected by this disaster, including as many as 60,000 children. Canada’s response is helping meet urgent needs by providing relief items, clean water and shelter, and reconnecting families.”
Humanitarian needs remain significant in the Oceanian island nation. The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation to ensure humanitarian needs are met and is ready to provide further assistance if required.
Canadian citizens in Vanuatu requiring emergency consular assistance should contact a consular official from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at +678 22777 or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613 996 8885 (collect calls are accepted where available).
Friends and relatives in Canada who are concerned about Canadian citizens they believe to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free) or 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted) or sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
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