Vanuatu struggling with Ambae mass evacuation Photo: RNZ / YouTube
The Vanuatu MP for Ambae says water on the volcanic island is unsafe to drink.
Jay Ngwele resigned from his role on Wednesday as Climate Change Special Envoy in protest over the way disaster relief funding was spent on travel costs for politicians to meet with victims.
Mr Ngwele said his people were sent back to Ambae too quickly and without adequate support or services.
He said despite reassurances from authorities that the water was safe to drink once boiled, independent tests from 12 different sites on the west of Ambae have shown the water is contaminated.
"Bacterial levels were high and sulphur nitrate was evident. I think the government should give more attention to the water because at the moment they are saying it's safe, you can boil it and drink. However with the current results it is not safe even to boil."
Jay Ngwele said acid rain continues to fall on Ambae and over 600 people have already left the island again to go back to Santo at their own cost.