Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has sent a 15-member medical team to provide emergency care and medical supplies to victims of the recent earthquake in Vanuatu during a one-month mission from January to February 2025.

The team includes specialists in surgery, orthopedics, internal medicine, anesthesiology, emergency care, as well as general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and logistics experts. They will replace Australia’s emergency medical team, whose mission concludes on 4 January 2025.

The earthquake, which struck Vanuatu on17  December 2024, impacted 80,000 people, including 14,104 children and 769 individuals with disabilities. It caused 18 fatalities, injured 200 people, and displaced 947 residents who are now sheltering in churches and homes across affected areas.

“This mission reflects Indonesia’s solidarity and commitment to helping our Pacific neighbors in times of need,” said BNPB Chief Suharyanto on Saturday (28/12/2024).

If needed, the Indonesian government is prepared to extend the team’s deployment.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)