At least 8 killed and dozens more feared dead as Cyclone Pam hits Vanuatu

Powerful winds from Cyclone Pam have caused widespread destruction in the Vanuatu islands, killing at least eight people, aid officials have said. Unconfirmed reports say dozens more people are feared dead. The Category Five storm struck the South Pacific archipelago with winds of up to 270km/h (170mph) threatening more than 267,000 residents The storm blew roofs off houses, uprooted trees and downed power lines. Officials in Port Vila say there is no power or running water in Vanuatu’s capital.

It’s still really quite dangerous outside. Most people are still hunkering down. The damage is quite extensive in Port Vila but there are so many more vulnerable islands. I can’t even imagine what it’s like in those vulnerable communities.

Chloe Morrison, a World Vision emergency communications officer

Australia is preparing to send a crisis response team to Vanuatu if needed, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said. The cyclone has already destroyed some homes and caused damage to other Pacific islands including Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. Authorities earlier issued red alerts across Vanuatu, with residents warned to take shelter ahead of potential flooding and landslides. David Gibson, acting director at the Vanuatu Meteorological Services, said: “As far as I can remember, this is the first Category Five cyclone to come very close to Vanuatu. This is obviously a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us.” The storm crossed the main Vanuatu island, home to more than 65,000, and a group of islands further south where 33,000 people live.

The scene here this morning is complete devastation - houses are destroyed, trees are down, roads are blocked and people are wandering the streets looking for help.

Tom Skirrow of the Save the Children NGO

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