ANZ has introduced a financial relief package for individuals impacted by the recent earthquake in Vanuatu. The bank will also contribute to registered charities to aid recovery efforts.
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 30 kilometers off the coast of Port Vila, leading to a seven-day state of emergency declaration in Vanuatu.
Sarah Stubbings, ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific, stated: “Our thoughts are with all who were impacted by this week’s devastating earthquake in Vanuatu, where ANZ has a deep history dating back to 1971."
She added, “While we are grateful no one in our team was hurt, we are thinking of those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured."
Stubbings assured customers that ANZ is committed to helping them through various financial relief options due to the long-lasting effects of the disaster. She mentioned that "to help those in the broader community, we are putting in place a range of relief options and waivers on a number of fees. ANZ will also put in place support payments for our staff.”
The relief measures available until March 2025 for home and personal loan customers include up to three months Interest Only, a three-month Loan Repayment Pause, a Loan Repayment Break (up to three months Principal & Interest suspended), and a Loan Term Extension.
For commercial customers, ANZ offers short-term funding through temporary overdraft facilities for unexpected costs and hardship assistance for existing lending which may include payment holidays or interest only for up to three months. Additionally, they will waive fees associated with restructuring business loans and merchant service fees on a case-by-case basis while providing early access to term deposits at no cost.
Effective immediately, ANZ will waive various fees; more information can be found at anz.com/vanuatu/en/fees-and-charges/. Customers are encouraged to contact ANZ directly to discuss personalized options.
ANZ's branch in Port Vila is temporarily closed. For banking assistance, customers can call +679 331 6644 at any time; toll charges may apply.