Huge Pacific cyclone devastates Vanuatu, at least eight dead
The tiny multi-island nation formerly known as the New Hebrides is located approximately 1250 miles NE of Australia and is crushingly poor, with the population comprised of mostly subsistence farmers.
One of the Pacific Ocean’s most powerful ever storms devastated the island nation of Vanuatu on Saturday, tearing off roofs, uprooting trees and killing at least eight people with the toll set to rise, aid officials said.
The United Nations was preparing a major relief operation and Australia said it was ready to offer its neighbour whatever help it could.
With winds up to 340 kph (210 mph), Cyclone Pam left Vanuatu cut off, with little power, poor communications and a looming threat of hunger and thirst.
Unconfirmed reports said the number of dead could run into dozens but aid workers said it would be days or weeks before the full impact was known.
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PRESS RELEASE | #Vanuatu: #EU deploys assistance for victims of cyclone Pam http://t.co/Fomr9TZ83U
— EU External Action (@eu_eeas) March 14, 2015
Next 48 hours are critical. Contaminated water risks diseases that spread like wildfire. We must act now: http://t.co/jJFfV0Wzcp #CyclonePam
— UNICEF New Zealand (@UNICEFNZ) March 14, 2015