Evacuation of Vanuatu island of Ambae

Clementine and her mother Lina (front) were airlifted from Ambae. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins.

These little guys were chilling on a tire swing at a refugee transit centre on Santo. It will be their home for the next few weeks at least. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

Refugees were told to take only what they could carry. Many said they feared for what would happen to their homes, belongings and livestock left unattended back on Ambae. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

Water, food and shelter are the main concerns at the refugee centres and not necessarily in that order. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

Marilyn Tari arrived by boat in Santo at 1am on Sunday. She had to choke back tears during our interview saying she didn't know when she would see her home again. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

Jimmy Solomon, chairman for refugee accommodation on Santo, explains arrangements to the latest group of arrivals from Ambae. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

Jerome Bani is from Central Ambae, right next to the volcano. He said when it erupted it covered his village with ash contaminating their water supply and ruining their food and crops. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

Clementine and her mother Lina who is in a wheelchair arrived in Santo on a private charter flight. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

A provincial disaster planning meeting on Santo. Authorities are struggling to keep track of evacuee numbers and the lack of shelters is a primary concern. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins