World Bank announces $12 million for Vanuatu quake recovery

By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - The World Bank on Tuesday announced $12 million towards emergency response and recovery in Vanuatu, a week after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake killed at least 14 people, wrecked buildings and cut power and water supplies.

The scale of the disaster had been devastating for Vanuatu and would hit the economy hard, Stephen N. Ndegwa, World Bank Country Director for the Pacific and Papua New Guinea, said in a statement.

“We hope this assistance will contribute to Vanuatu’s fast recovery, restore jobs, and provide vital assistance to those who need it most,” Ndegwa said.

The quake caused significant damage to Vanuatu's capital Port Vila and the downtown area is now closed to the public. Vila Central Hospital said 14 people had died and over 210 were injured.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Stephen Coates)