Australians in New Caledonia Facing Food Shortages Due to Civil Unrest

Australians stranded in New Caledonia are facing dire circumstances as they ration food while waiting for a way out of the troubled Pacific island territory. Joanne Elias, a traveller from Sydney, shared the harrowing experience of her family being holed up in a resort in the capital Noumea since the unrest broke out this week.

“The kids are definitely hungry because we don’t really have much option of what we can feed them,” Elias said, highlighting the dwindling food supplies at the resort. The riots, sparked by indigenous Kanak people’s anger over a contested electoral reform, have led to burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and road barricades that cut off access to essential supplies like medicine and food.

French authorities have sent hundreds of police reinforcements to regain control of the capital, but the situation remains tense. At least four people, including a police official, have been killed in the unrest, complicating President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to boost French influence in the Pacific.

Elias, who arrived in New Caledonia with her family on May 10, expressed uncertainty about their future, as they are among about 30 Australians stuck at the Chateau Royal resort. The resort has not commented on the situation due to security reasons, and Australian authorities have yet to respond to requests for assistance.

Despite assurances from the New Caledonia government that there are food stocks for two months on the island, the problem lies in distribution. Efforts are underway to supply food and medicine to the public, with teams working to clear road barricades that were booby-trapped by activists. The situation remains precarious for those stranded in New Caledonia, awaiting a resolution to the crisis.