Australia and New Zealand have sent planes to New Caledonia to evacuate their citizens amid ongoing violence.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that two flights received clearance from French authorities, with a Royal Australian Air Force plane already landing in Noumea.
About 300 Australians are in New Caledonia, but it is unclear if these flights will help other stranded nationals.
New Zealand is also evacuating around 50 of its citizens, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters highlighting the urgency.
The unrest, which has resulted in at least six deaths and hundreds of injuries, erupted over controversial electoral reforms passed in Paris.
Over 270 suspected rioters have been arrested, and a curfew has been imposed.
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France has sent over a thousand security personnel to restore order as armed clashes, looting, and arson have plagued Noumea.
The violence stems from long-standing tensions between indigenous Kanaks, who seek independence, and descendants of colonizers wanting to remain part of France.
The French legislature’s recent bill allowing long-term residents to vote in provincial elections has intensified these tensions, with opponents fearing it will marginalize the Kanaks further.
