As violence continues in New Caledonia, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are set to be deployed to help evacuate the estimated 300 Australians stranded there following weeks of unrest.
The conflict began when French government plans to reform the territory’s elections sparked riots and resulted in six deaths so far, all believed to be locals.
The island is under a state of emergency with a curfew in place, leaving both foreigners and locals running out of food as commercial flights in and out have been halted.
Thierry de Greslan, a representative from the hospital in Nouméa, expressed concern that the death toll may be higher due to people being unable to access medical care or too afraid to seek it amid the roadblocks and gunfire throughout the city.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the Australian government is closely monitoring the situation and exploring options to assist Australians in New Caledonia.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that the ADF is prepared to fly out Australians, pending the resumption of commercial flights.
She added that French authorities have advised that the ongoing violence prevents flight operations from taking place.
As supermarket shelves become increasingly bare, Australians trapped in New Caledonia are growing desperate to return home.
One Brisbane woman shared her frustration and fear as she waits for updates on when she might be able to leave.
Another Australian family is rationing food supplies at their resort while they await a chance to escape the violence.
Nouméa Mayor Sonia Lagarde described the situation in New Caledonia as “under siege,” with overnight violence lessening due to the curfew but still far from normalcy.
She emphasized that the damage caused by the unrest is significant and continues to worsen despite calls for calm.