Canada’s rapid response will ensure life-saving emergency relief is provided quickly
March 18, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced additional humanitarian assistance funding to help meet the urgent needs of those affected by Cyclone Pam, which struck Vanuatu in the South Pacific on Friday, March 13 (local time).
“The destruction caused by this cyclone is devastating for the people of Vanuatu. Over half of the country’s population has been affected by this disaster, including as many as 60,000 children,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada’s response is helping meet urgent needs by providing relief items, clean water and shelter, and reconnecting families.”
Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Vanuatu as needs assessments are ongoing, and is prepared to respond further, as appropriate, to help address the needs of the affected population.
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 an 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.
Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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