Damages to South Pentecost villages in the aftermath of Cyclone Lola. Photo: Supplied/Save the Children
Cyclone-affected households in Vanuatu will now receive dry rations from the government, six weeks after Tropical Cyclone Lola hit.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reports distribution to priority 1 and 2 islands is starting this week.
This includes north and west Ambrym and the whole of Pentecost.
There are more than 18,000 households across the two priority areas.
The paper says while the government is just now rolling out food relief, donor partners, civil society groups and the communities have already responded with both food and non-food items.
Acting Minister of Climate Change John Salong said the government response was delayed due to challenges relating to logistics and outstanding costs following Cyclones Judy and Kevin earlier in the year.
He acknowledged the patience shown by communities in coping with the delay and said the government wanted to make sure people received the food relief before Christmas.
Affected communities can contact the toll free number 167 to find out when they can receive their share of dry rations.