12 Jul 2018

Pleas for Vanuatu govt to help relocated Ambae students

3:19 pm on 12 July 2018

Vanuatu's government has been urged to address the worsening situation faced by students relocated from volcano-affected Ambae Island.

Due to the ongoing eruption of Ambae's Manaro volcano, some of the island's communities relocated to neighbouring islands of Maewo and Santo.

This includes hundreds of students whose schools were affected by volcanic ash fall which has also destroyed much of Ambae's vegetation.

However since last month concerns have mounted about the living conditions the children were placed in.

According to the Daily Post, a doctor on Maewo claims Ambae students studying at Gambule School are highly traumatised and must be repatriated to their home island to minimise the risk of mental illness.

His report also cites lack of food, and primitive living conditions faced by the students and their teachers from Ambae.

Chiefly representatives and Members of Parliament from Ambae have called for the government to help them find a solution.

They have advised the governnent not to rely on reports from the National Disaster Management Office, saying its reports are out of date.

Speaking for the Office, Peter Korisa is reported as saying they are aware of the situation and are doing their best to address the concerns.

The principal of St Patrick's College on Ambae said the ash had spilled into every classroom, forcing the school to close last Friday.

The principal of St Patrick's College on Ambae said the ash had spilled into every classroom, forcing the school to close last Friday. Photo: Supplied / St Patrick's College