Cyclone devastates South Pacific islands of Vanuatu

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31883712

Cyclone Pam, a category five tropical storm, hit the archipelago of Vanuatu leaving entire villages destroyed.  8 people have been confirmed dead in Port Vila, the countries capital; however, the UN estimates that over a dozen were killed from the cyclone.  Unofficial reports claim that 44 people have died in the Panama Province.  The article primarily addresses Port Vila; however, it is expected that more vulnerable islands have suffered even more damage.  Thousands of people took refuge in emergency shelters; however, msot suffered through the storm in their homes.  As communications are down in most of the country, the total amount of damage will most likely be unknown for quite a few days. The president of Vanuatu, Baldwin Londsdale, appealed for international support while attending the World Conference on Disaster Risk and Reduction in Japan.  Australia is preparing to send a crisis response team if needed, stating, "There are destructive winds, rain, flooding, landslides, sea surges and very rough seas and the storm is exceedingly destructive there.  We are still assessing the situation, but we stand ready to assist."

Marissa Holaway