The Temotu provincial government has confirmed sending an agriculture assessment team to Tikopia and Anuta where people's livelihoods are reportedly devastated by the effects of cyclone Atu which recently hit Vanuatu.
Provincial deputy premier Baddley Tau said the provincial executive took "immediate steps to dispatch an assessment team upon receiving initial reports from Tukutauga in Tikopia.Mr Tau said the team includes members of the provincial disaster office, agriculture officers, health workers and other NGO members.
"Transport is a major hindrance however the provincial executive will deliberate on the report compiled by the assessors as soon as it is submitted."
Mr Tau explains that the level of the provincial government's response will depend largely on the extent of the damage.