260,000 under threat as Cyclone Pam bears down on islands of Vanuatu

A “once-in-a-lifetime” storm is bearing down on the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu - threatening more than 260,000 people in its path. The Category Five storm Cyclone Pam, which has maximum winds of 143mph, is expected to hit the country late on Friday. Authorities have issued red alerts across the country’s 83 tiny islands, 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.”

We are expecting storm-force winds, including hurricane-force winds, particularly to the central and southern islands.

David Gibson, Vanuatu Meteorological Services

The Vanuatu Meteorological Services warned of “very destructive winds and very rough to phenomenal seas with heavy swells”. Forecasters predict winds will reach 115mph on the islands. Many Vanuatuans live in accommodation ill-equipped for such a barrage. UNICEF’s Alice Clements, in Vanuatu, said: “Everybody is concerned about shelter, ensuring that the shelters are going to be strong enough for them.” The cyclone has already destroyed homes on other Pacific islands including the Solomon Islands and low-lying Kiribati.

Vanuatu Asia-Pacific