11 Jun 2018

Concerns raised about conditions for children evacuated from Ambae

6:15 pm on 11 June 2018

Parents on Vanuatu's Ambae island have complained on social media about the living conditions their children have been placed in to study in schools in Santo and Maewo.

The Ambae volcano

Photo: Supplied/ Brad Scott

Hundreds of students have been relocated to schools on the two islands due to the recent devastating volcanic ash fall which destroyed all vegetation on Ambae island.

The Daily Post Newspaper said photographs have shown that the recent heavy rains have soaked their mattresses and exam papers in tents and classrooms which they also use for dormitories at night.

The National Disaster Management Office said relevant cluster groups were aware of the situation and were working with the Ministry of Education and Training to address it.

Meanwhile reports from Ambae said the vegetation was growing back fast now that the ash fall had stopped and people were starting to harvest greens from their gardens again.