Carnival Australia’s immediate donation to cyclone ravaged Vanuatu

Carnival Australia is working through its charity partner, Save the Children Australia, which already has a team on the ground in Vanuatu and is preparing to send more people and aid.

‘It is impossible not to be moved by the stark images coming from Vanuatu with lives lost and unimaginable destruction,’ Carnival Australia ceo Ann Sherry said.

‘Along with our passengers, we feel a very strong bond with the Vanuatu people for the warmth of their welcome over many decades.

‘The contribution announced today is an immediate first step and we will be guided by our Save the Children partners on what more we and our passengers can do.’

Sherry said Carnival Australia’s combined fleet accounts for most of the cruise ship visits to Vanuatu destinations which are so important to the nation’s economy.

She said it is hoped the disruptions to cruise shipping will be short lived.

‘However,’ she said, ‘our immediate focus is to work with Save the Children to deliver urgently needed help on the ground in places where villages have been wiped out.’

Aid agencies are stepping up efforts to reach remote communities hit by Cyclone Pam, a category five storm with winds of up to 270 km/h (170 mph) which veered off its expected course and struck populated areas of Vanuatu on Friday night.

Thousands of people have spent a second night in shelters after their homes were damaged or destroyed.

Oxfam Australia has reported that 90% of housing in Port Vila has been seriously damaged.

At least eight people are reported to have died and it is feared the toll could rise as news comes in from outlying islands.