Vanuatu’s cabinet ministers have approved just over US$1 million (VU$126 million) in aid to communities in Penama Province affected by volcanic ashfall.
The ashfall comes from activity at the Manaro Voui volcano on Ambae Island.
The approval follows recent ground assessments on Ambae, for which the Council of Ministers had earlier approved US$170,000.
The final assessment reports confirmed widespread impact on food gardens, water sources, and shelter due to heavy ashfall, requiring immediate government intervention.
The government said help would be delivered quickly, with public funds used transparently and responsibly.
The cabinet also approved funding for El Niño response packages for islands in Torba and Penama Provinces, and more funding for the MV Matui search and rescue mission and an upcoming commemoration ceremony.
The Penama Provincial Government in Vanuatu has welcomed the aid funds.
Penama government spokesperson Gibson Bani said the money would help implement a regional response they have been trying to get approved for a long time.
Bani said most of the financial aid would go to water drilling projects on Ambae and Pentecost Islands as well as roadworks to improve accessibility.
