One of the Pacific Ocean’s most powerful storms ever has ripped through Vanuatu. Buildings have been damaged, trees uprooted and roads cut off
ADVERTISEMENTOne of the Pacific Ocean’s most powerful storms ever has ripped through Vanuatu.
Buildings have been damaged, trees uprooted and roads cut off.
Eight people are reported dead, but it is feared that number will rise substantially as the scale of devastation is established across the nation’s 83 islands.
RT WVAsia</a>: In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vanuatu?src=hash">#Vanuatu</a>, 65% of pop. rely on agriculture to earn a living. Most live in homes like this: <a href="http://t.co/VKwlpf0yQk">pic.twitter.com/VKwlpf0yQk</a>...</p>— WVUS Media Center (WorldVisionNews) March 13, 2015
Cyclone Pam, which hit on Friday night, packed winds of up to 340 kilometres per hour.
It has left Vanuatu cut off and facing a looming threat of hunger.
The United Nations was preparing a major relief operation and Australia said it was ready to offer its neighbour whatever help it can.
Aid agencies said it is a disaster that needs an international response.
"It's like a bomb has gone off in the centre of the town," our colleague says. Countless homes torn apart, communities in ruins. #CyclonePam
— UNICEF Australia (@unicefaustralia) March 14, 2015