Disaster-hit Vanuata dealt setback as new quake strikes; int'l aid increased

Disaster-hit Vanuatu has been dealt another setback after a second earthquake jolted the Pacific Island nation in the early hours of Sunday, while international efforts have been stepped up to aid the ongoing relief and recovery operation.

The 6.1-magnitude quake hit Vanuatu at around 02:30 local time Sunday morning, and follows the larger 7.3-magnitude quake which devastated the archipelago on Tuesday, with a number of aftershocks also reported.

Authorities said the 7.3-magnitude quake which hit on Tuesday had claimed at least 12 lives, left over 200 injured, and caused widespread damage, with homes flattened and vehicles destroyed.

The Australian government on Sunday committed an additional five million Australian dollars (over three million U.S. dollars) in practical humanitarian assistance for the people of Vanuatu. It follows an initial humanitarian aid package worth two million AUD (around 1.2 million USD).

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement that this funding would support the next phase of Vanuatu's emergency response.

The new package includes 2.5 million AUD (1.5 million USD) which has been set aside for medical care for the injured and to supply water, sanitation and hygiene products and services.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have deployed a special team to support the ongoing relief efforts in Vanuatu, with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka saying on Friday that the military team would remain in Vanuatu throughout the Christmas period.

The U.S. dollar strengthened in late trading on Thursday.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, added 0.16 percent to 98.212 at 3 p.m. (1900 GMT).

In late New York trading, the euro slipped to 1.1774 dollars from 1.18 dollars in the previous session, and the British pound fell to 1.3525 dollars from 1.3572 dollars in the previous session.

The U.S. dollar bought 159.26 Japanese yen, higher than 159.05 Japanese yen in the previous session. The U.S. dollar rose to 0.7844 Swiss francs from 0.7818 Swiss francs, and it declined to 1.3706 Canadian dollars from 1.3729 Canadian dollars. The U.S. dollar was up to 9.2051 Swedish kronor from 9.1580 Swedish kronor.