Cyclone Pam Leaves Widespread Devastation in Vanuatu

The first rescue teams to reach Vanuatu Sunday morning reported widespread devastation. Authorities declared a state of emergency after a "monster" cyclone tore through the Pacific island nation Friday and Saturday, leaving at least eight people dead and over 30 more injured.

With winds of more than 300 kph (185 mph), Cyclone Pam razed homes, smashed boats and washed away roads and bridges as it struck the Oceanian island nation, located east of Australia. The rescue workers described the situation as catastrophic, adding that the victim toll was likely to rise.

The rescue teams were concerned over the situation in the southern island of Tanna. An official with the Australian Red Cross told Reuters an aircraft had managed to land there and aid workers confirmed there was "widespread destruction,” adding that “virtually every building that is not concrete has been flattened." Two deaths were confirmed on the island, which has a population of about 29,000 and is about 200 km (125 miles) south of the capital, Port Vila.

Oxfam Australia confirmed that the cyclone had caused massive, widespread damage in Port Vila, saying that at least 90 percent of housing had been badly damaged. 

Meanwhile, President Baldwing Lonsdale said most of the people in the island nation are homeless after the devastating cyclone.

​According to Reuters, Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office said the government still had no word from outside the capital.

"Our communication link is still down, we haven't got any information from outside Port Vila … The biggest need at the moment is shelter and food and wash kits," said a relief official.

Social media continues publishing pictures of the devastating scenario.

According to Australian media, the first aid shipments have arrived in the country’s capital. 

Australia’s foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said her country will provide an initial package of support to Vanuatu, as it responds to the devastation inflicted by the cyclone.

According to the Red Cross, a New Zealand military Hercules aircraft carrying tarpaulins and other emergency supplies, was cleared to land Sunday.

Vanuatu's population of 267,000 is spread over 65 low-lying islands. It is among the world's poorest countries, and highly prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and storms.