This is a category 5!!
There have been unconfirmed reports of deaths in Vanuatu after tropical cyclone Pam turned towards the capital, making landfall overnight.
The category five storm, with winds over 250 km/h, made a direct hit on several small islands and the eye passed over the eastern side of Efate island, home to capital city Port Vila.
It appears communications are down and there’s fears for the 250,000 residents of Vanuatu, many of whom live in basic structures.
Sune Gudnitz from the United Nations office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns it appears to be a “worst case scenario” for the island nation after the storm took a turn towards the southern islands.
He told the ABC that very few structures would be able to withstand the category five cyclone and they were expecting the total destruction of many buildings and homes.
The Vanuatu National Disaster office says red alerts are in place for Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, Shefa and Tafea provinces.
Heavy to torrential rainfalls and flooding, including flash flooding are expected over low lying areas. Landslides are also expected.
All Vanuatu airports remain closed.
