Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement:

“I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the people of Vanuatu, who suffered devastating losses as a result of the cyclone that hit their country. We are prepared to assist Vanuatu with quick, unbureaucratic steps in dealing with the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe and rebuilding the economy over the coming months.

“An IMF team stands ready to visit Vanuatu at short notice to help the government assess the macroeconomic situation and determine any financing needs. We are also coordinating closely with the World Bank, ADB, and other agencies to assess the impact of the natural disaster on the country and determine how best we can help.”