Death toll in Vanuatu could reach into the dozens

The United Nations says there are reports that 44 people have died in Vanuatu’s Penama Province as a result of Tropical Cyclone Pam.

The category five cyclone has battered Vanuatu's northern provinces, however communication is down and the extent of the damage is not known.

But there are reports of deaths in the outer islands.

It is being rated as the worst Pacific storm since cyclone Zoe in 2003.

The gales extend up to 380 kilometres from the centre of the storm.

Radio New Zealand is reporting that Humanitarian agencies said the storm was as severe as they feared but attempts to contact people on outlying islands were being hampered by communications lines being down.

The UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs its Pacific team is preparing to support the government‑led response to the cyclone.

The centre of the cyclone is now about 30 kilometres to the east of Port Vila as it moves south southeast.

The Vanuatu Meteorological Service is forecasting very destructive hurricane‑force winds as the storm moves past in the next six‑to‑12 hours.

It also warned of torrential rain, flash flooding and huge storm surges.

Up to 4000 people across Vanuatu have taken refuge in shelters like concrete churches and schools.

Source: ABC/BBC